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Brutus the Bear - One Man's Best Friend

More on PawNation: bear, bears, expedition grizzly, ExpeditionGrizzly, grizzly bear, grizzlybear, national geographic, national geographic channel, NationalGeographic, NationalGeographicChannel

Apr 29th 2009

Talk about bearing witness!

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 airing on National Geographic on Sunday, May 3rd at 9pm EST, captures Anderson living among the bears of Yellowstone National 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.



Brutus the Bear: One Mans Best Friend

    Best man Brutus gives the bride and groom good luck kisses.

    Grizzly Creek Films

    Brutus joins the Anderson family for Thanksgiving dinner.

    Grizzly Creek Films

    Casey hand feeds Brutus some berries.

    Rick Smith, Grizzly Creek Films

    Beneath those sharp teeth, Brutus is gentle as a teddy bear.

    Rick Smith, Grizzly Creek Films

    Casey enjoys a dip with his furry friend.

    Grizzly Creek Films

    Don't be intimidated by Brutus' stature; he's a gentle giant.

    Rick Smith, Grizzly Creek Films

    Q: Where does a Grizzly bear swim? A: Anywhere he wants!

    Grizzly Creek Films

    Bear hug!

    Grizzly Creek Films

    ...and a bear kiss!

    Rick Smith, Grizzly Creek Films

    Casey Anderson totes a teenage Brutus.

    Grizzly Creek Films

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