Watch: Russian Man Wows Internet By Feeding A Lollipop To His Tame Giant Bear
The viral video, which gained traction since its upload on March 3, depicts Kharcenko offering a sizable lollipop to the bear named Tom. The bear accepts and enjoys the sweet treat with surprising gentleness. The video has amassed over six lakh likes, reflecting a widespread fascination with this unusual companionship.
In a remarkable display of the bond between humans and animals, Anton Kharcenko, a resident of Russia, has captivated the internet with a video showcasing his unique relationship with a tame brown bear.
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Netizens assert Russians can pet anything
The viral footage, which gained traction since its upload on March 3, depicts Kharcenko offering a sizable lollipop to the bear named Tom. The bear accepts and enjoys the sweet treat with surprising gentleness. The video has amassed over six lakh likes, reflecting a widespread fascination with this unusual companionship.
Viewers have flooded the comments section with their reactions, ranging from admiration to concern for the bear's dietary health. "Russians can pet anything," exclaimed one Instagram user, highlighting the awe surrounding Kharcenko's fearless interaction.
Another quipped, "Tell me your russian without telling me your russian," pointing out the cultural novelty of such a friendship.
Meanwhile, another commenter cautioned: ¡°The processed sugar in that lollypop is not good for his or her teeth. Better treat him/her with a nice honeycomb.¡±
A sarcastic remark also surfaced, humorously suggesting, ¡°So next time there¡¯s a potential bear attack, just give him a lollipop, and he¡¯ll leave you alone. Got it?¡±
Russia's enduring love for bears
Taming wild bears is not unprecedented in Russia. A notable instance occurred in 1993 when Yury and Svetlana Panteleyenko adopted a bear cub from a struggling St. Petersburg circus and integrated it into their family.
The bear, Stepan, attained international fame, participating in film projects and commercial photoshoots, becoming a symbol of unconventional domestication.
Despite these heartwarming stories, wildlife experts caution against keeping wild animals like bears as pets. Bears demand extensive care, requiring at least 30 pounds (around 14 kilograms) of food daily due to their omnivorous diet. Their rapid growth and potential for aggression also pose challenges.
The risks associated with domesticating wild bears have been tragically underscored by past incidents. In 2018, Sergey Grigoriyev, a professional hunter who had adopted an orphaned bear cub in 2014, was fatally attacked by the animal he had raised.
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Similarly, environmentalist Timothy Treadwell, known for his extensive work and proximity with bears at the Katmai National Park and Preserve in the U.S., met a fatal end in 2003 at the paws of the creatures he had dedicated years to studying and protecting.
These incidents serve as sombre reminders of the unpredictable nature of wild animals despite the seemingly harmonious relationships showcased in viral videos.
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