An 800 pound grizzly bear named Brutus served as best man in naturalist Casey Anderson's 2008 wedding to actress Missi Pyle. But this was not a stunt for pun's sake; Anderson calls Brutus his best friend, even telling Good Morning America, "He gives me unconditional love."
Expedition Grizzly, a new documentary airingon National Geographic on Sunday, May 3rd at 9pm EST, captures Anderson living among the bears of YellowstoneNational Park, charting their lives and man's impact on their environment.
Anderson first befriended the bear in 2002 when young Brutus' wildlife park became overpopulated. Before the cub had to face a lose-lose fate of captivity or death, Anderson adopted him and opened a sanctuary so Brutus could "act like a real bear."
Of course, "real bears" don't usually eat at kitchen tables and swim in lap pools. But according to Anderson, they do experience human-level emotions, sometimes even shedding tears. Anderson's relationship with his furry surrogate son spawned his mission to dispel false "man eater" stereotypes about Grizzlies.
Is it my imagination, or has there been a plethora of bear stories in the news lately? As for having a grizzly as a "best man" and allowing it to kiss me...uh, no. I'm quite attached to my throat, thank you very much!
I love it! I wish I had the intestenial fortitude to do the same. I commend him for his love of animals...But I am so jealous because I would love to personally see and pet him. (The Bear)
Some people never learn. They think that their 'pet' chimpanzees, tigers, lions and bears are tame and and can be domesticated. Such animals can be cute and friendly for years, but they only have to revert to their true natures lonce to do serious or even terminal damage. Even a toothless grizzly can kill.
I couldn't agree with you more. People are so nieve to think that they can be emotionally close to a wild animal. One day ( and it's gonna happen ) that bear will let him know who is boss.
That guy is awesome. And I think it's wonderful that he rescued Brutus and opened a bear sanctuary, and even more marvelous that they are best friends. Animals are so amazing...they do give such unconditional love and are so grateful for love and kindness in return. Anyone that is compassionate and kind to animals is good people in my book.
Humans are the ones who are irrational and reckless and need "domestication". One mountain lion eats a person or one chimpanzee attacks a person...it is like OMG! Humans partake in disgusting habits like killing animals just to showcase their heads or killing animals to sell their fur. Animals only attack if they are threatened or hungry or sick, and those are the only three reasons they would ever attack. It is sad to see so many people looking down on animals.
This is a great story, but we must remember that the most friendly grizzly is a wild animal. It is a mistake to believe that the status quo will always continue. The chimpanzie was a "domesticated" companion to its owner and walked the streets -- until recently it ripped the face off of the owner's friend.
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David McKelvey/http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgmckelvey/3748491903/
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Miniature Poodle Miniature Poodles, like all Poodles, are excellent swimmers who originated as a water retrievers. All Poodles, Standard, Miniature and Toy are actually one breed, just different sizes. Miniature Poodles, who can be white, black, apricot or gray, are usually 15 inches or under, according to the American Kennel Club.
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Just like the playful Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier, who originated in England, has a similar personality. Don't let its size fool you – the Miniature Bull Terrier is strong, energetic and audacious. Miniature Bull Terriers are between 10 to 15 inches and can be solid white or colored, according to the American Kennel Club.
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The American Eskimo Dog is one of three separate categories of the American Eskimo Dog. Between 12 to 15 inches, the bright white dog is loving, protecting and sociable. Now a great companion dog, the miniature dog was once a circus dog, according to the American Kennel Club.
Miniature Pinscher
Also known as the "Min Pin," the Miniature Pinscher is a German Breed whose ancestry includes the Daschund, Italian Greyhound and the shorthaired German Pinscher. The quick, curious dog is the perfect apartment dog. Despite its small size, the compact pooch makes a wonderful watchdog. The spirited miniature dog, about 10 inches to 12 1/2 inches, can be red, black, or chocolate with tan, according to the American Kennel Club.
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Is it my imagination, or has there been a plethora of bear stories in the news lately? As for having a grizzly as a "best man" and allowing it to kiss me...uh, no. I'm quite attached to my throat, thank you very much!
Very cute story.
Yep, only a matter of time before this guy gets eaten too. Remember the guy in Alaska on the Discovery Channel???
I think that is the coolest
Of course there have been more bear stories they have just finished hibernating!
Take Brutus on your honeymoon. The bear will end up killing one or both of them if they're not real careful. Idiot!!!!!
I really gotta pee...
LOL @ picture #2: the bear has its own wineglass!
I think this is so neat i would love to be able to be with anomals,in fact i would rather be around animals rather then people!
I love it! I wish I had the intestenial fortitude to do the same. I commend him for his love of animals...But I am so jealous because I would love to personally see and pet him. (The Bear)
Who's going to argue with a 800 lb. bear? I shore ain't!!!
Aww sweet, that's too cute!! :D
Somehow, some idiot it going to turn this into a racial argument if the noobs on the AOL boards have their way or any say in this. -_-
*sadness*
Some people never learn. They think that their 'pet' chimpanzees, tigers, lions and bears are tame and and can be domesticated. Such animals can be cute and friendly for years, but they only have to revert to their true natures lonce to do serious or even terminal damage. Even a toothless grizzly can kill.
I couldn't agree with you more. People are so nieve to think that they can be emotionally close to a wild animal. One day ( and it's gonna happen ) that bear will let him know who is boss.
All I have to say is Timothy Treadwell.
That guy is awesome. And I think it's wonderful that he rescued Brutus and opened a bear sanctuary, and even more marvelous that they are best friends. Animals are so amazing...they do give such unconditional love and are so grateful for love and kindness in return. Anyone that is compassionate and kind to animals is good people in my book.
Humans are the ones who are irrational and reckless and need "domestication". One mountain lion eats a person or one chimpanzee attacks a person...it is like OMG!
Humans partake in disgusting habits like killing animals just to showcase their heads or killing animals to sell their fur. Animals only attack if they are threatened or hungry or sick, and those are the only three reasons they would ever attack.
It is sad to see so many people looking down on animals.
I am happy for all three, I think it is a cool story, Good look and God Bless,
I can see the headlines now....Bear eats newlyweds
This is a great story, but we must remember that the most friendly grizzly is a wild animal. It is a mistake to believe that the status quo will always continue. The chimpanzie was a "domesticated" companion to its owner and walked the streets -- until recently it ripped the face off of the owner's friend.