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Russian Couple Adopted An Orphaned Bear 23 Years Ago, And They Still Live Together
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Russian Couple Adopted An Orphaned Bear 23 Years Ago, And They Still Live Together

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There’s no denying that brown bear deserves to be the national Russian animal. With the average weight of almost 200kg, incredible strength and resilience these ferocious hunters represent the Slavic nation and their character rather well. And though they usually roam the vast forests and taigas, one of these animals has found its life to be quite different.

Meet Stepan, a domesticated pet bear who lives with his humans Svetlana and Yuriy Panteleenko in Moscow, Russia. The Panteleenkos adopted Stepan or Stephen bear when he was just a 3-month-old orphaned cub. He was found by hunters in a forest all alone, and in a terrible condition, so Svetlana and Yuriy decided to give the bear cub a home.

23 years later, Stepan has grown into a loving and quite frankly cute bear who helps around the house by watering plants and loves watching TV with his humans. “He loves people and is a sociable bear – despite what people might think, he is not aggressive at all,” said Mrs. Panteleenko. “We have never been bitten by Stepan.

The Russian bear eats 25kg of fish, vegetables, and eggs every day! But the goofball manages to stay in shape thanks to his love for football. He also keeps himself busy with acting in films and posing for photoshoots.

More info: medvedstepan.ru (h/t: dailymail)

RELATED:

    This couple adopted Stepan when he was a 3-month-old orphaned cub

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    He was found by hunters in a forest very weak and lonely

    But Svetlana and Yuriy nurtured him back to health

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    Now he’s a 23-year-old loving goofball!

    “He absolutely loves people and is a really sociable bear”

    “Despite what people might think, he is not aggressive at all”

    “We have never been bitten by Stepan”

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    The bear eats 25kg of fish, vegetables and eggs every day!

    He does enjoy his cup of tea, too

    The gentle giant manages to stay in shape thanks to his love for games outdoors

    But there’s nothing like snuggling with his humans on a couch…

    And did we mention that gardening is his ultimate passion?

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    Watch the video here:

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    Julija Televičiūtė

    Julija Televičiūtė

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Crazy in love with my sweet rescue pup https://www.instagram.com/rescueshepskybella/

    Read less »
    Julija Televičiūtė

    Julija Televičiūtė

    Author, Community member

    Crazy in love with my sweet rescue pup https://www.instagram.com/rescueshepskybella/

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    Timothy Flanagan
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, effing adorable... Till she kicks the dog away at the end of the video.

    Jeanne Deaux
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agreed, what a b***h, only caring about the animal which could eventualy bring fame on her fat a*s.

    Load More Replies...
    Ariel Carmen
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The look she gives her dog and kicks him away... then keeps posing with the bear. Poor puppy. :(

    Panna Joanna
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, as usual I believe people should not have wild animals at home, no matter what. Even if this furry fellow is super cure. No, Russians, no!

    Adam Nixon
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Russians have known this and done this for centuries. Nothing wrong here, our perceptions are wrong. Why crows and not bears? Why dogs and not bears?

    Load More Replies...
    stanleyscout
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think she knew she kicked the dog. These are obviously animal loving people. This is so sweet and I give them a ton of credit. Keeping a huge animal like this cannot always be easy. The bear is beautiful and so is the whole family!

    Felicity Berkleef
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I loved the post, until I saw the part at the end, where she kicks the dog! Not nice at all! Poor doggy :(

    Scott Plachter
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She didn't KICK the dog...lol. She swooshed the dog away for the video shoot. That dog is just as loved as the bear...believe me.

    Leonie Spierings
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg people,... really,... that's not a kick,.. I REPEAT,.. Not a kick, by far, It's a frigging nudge. Just like I nudge my pets to move over cause there in the way. That does not make you an 'animal abuser' that makes you a normal person with pets that are in the way.

    CC Hogan
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Idiotic comments about the dog. She only twitches her leg because her dog sticks his wet nose on it and is being a pest - something dogs are very good at. The fact that the dog and the bear and the humans are sharing the space in such a relaxed way, despite trying to shoot a video, shows they all get on fine. And, let's face it, the video is meant to be about the bear, not the dog.

    Maria Machado
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All would be lovely hadn't she kicked the dog...something doesn't add up!

    Ron Kulig
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both are good folks. I'm sure the dog gets plenty of attention. The video was about the bear. People should NOT judge so harshly.

    Daria Yurc
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Показуха сплошная, противная баба, противный мужик, заказали фотосессию, баба причесалась накрасилась, мужик красивую жилетку надел, выпустили медведя попозировали и хватит, но для чего?

    Catherine Chalfoun
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i think they are scam and big fat opportunists and actors, they dont care about the bear they only care about money and fame!! she KICKED the dog at the end !!!! what an asswhole she is :(

    Mary Marty
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm skeptical about this family dynamic. I feel like I'm looking at an animal in a circus. For the bear's sake, I hope I'm wrong.

    GrumpyCat7
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was about to share this til I saw the kick! >:-[ What a cow!!!!

    Ron Kulig
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both are good folks. I'm sure the dog gets plenty of attention. The video was about the bear. People should not just die so harshly.

    Meeow
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was kinda adorable... Till she kicks the dog away at the end of the video. B***h!!! And Just cause your bear didn't bite you yet, don't mean it won't happens. Don't Say I Didn't Warn You

    Trav May
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not necessarily. They don't have two or three children to provide for, they may live below what is average for their wages in Moscow, and might have neighbors and others who donate food for Stepan. Then, it could be possible. without being rich.

    Load More Replies...
    Terry Olson
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The dog WAS trying to sniff her ass. She probably kicks her husband away when he attempts to sniff her. Perhaps she only allow the bear to sniff her ass.

    Terry Olson
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The dog WAS sniffing her ass. She probably only allows the bear to do that. Perhaps she kicks her husband away when he attempts to sniff her.

    Светлана Калинина
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    все это конечно замечательно, но медведь должен жить в дикой природе, а не на кожаном диване смотреть телевизор! у него в мозгах изначально заложено, что он-хищник, а не домашний питомец. А собаку и вправду жалко! ей никакого внимания не уделяется, пинают ее ногами, показывая всем видом, что медведя больше любят. Лучше бы детей завели, а медведя еще маленьким отдали в заповедник!

    Richard Petch
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Brilliant pictures, just goes to show what a bit of loving will do, I hope you all have a long and happy life together.

    Kristen Ross
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    is this even real? why are there no photos of the bear as a cub, also you can't tell me that a Bear lives in that tiny house with plates hanging on the wall and none of them are broken....I'm not sure I believe this story...

    Kathleen Vermeulen
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the lady is also on fb, I actually think the cub is or another orphan or one of his kids. 23 years there wasno such thing as digital media and they clearly needed their money to feed the bear.

    Load More Replies...
    Kristen Ross
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    is this even real??? why are there no photo's of the Bear as a cub?

    TabledTurnsxddd
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    duh because if we talking about the time you posted, then the time we talking that Stepan was a cub would be around 1986-1989. That being said, they PROBABLY did not have the money to go buy a camera, since, you know, they still need to buy food and sh** they needed? When 2010-2016 at least came, the camera prices were extremely low and easier to do. So they THEN bought a camera.

    Load More Replies...
    Adam Nixon
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I'll watch "Bear's Kiss" tonight, again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQA12TZ52PE

    Nesian Scribe
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No! Idiots, the bear belongs in the woods, not at your table sipping tea! That's what's wrong with this world, don't try to humanise the animal, the animal will always be wild!

    Sandy Popiah
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    maybe if they film about the dog, that lady kicks the bear as well. b***h.

    Laszlo Sterling
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    she didnt even kick the dog. she lightly nudged him. i nudge my dog when shes getting in the way. and besides, the video is about the bear and not the dog. both the animals are fine, so if you dont believe me then i cant change that. but i recommend it.

    Load More Replies...
    Dianna Friedman
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love it and I'm jealous, but they can't have any kids or friends. One wrong Swipe n that's it.

    Coral Makenzi Brannan
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not true! He hasn't hurt them in 23 years, and it looks like he has a dog as a brother... Why not a child or another adult?

    Load More Replies...
    Michael Hamiel
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bearable able to look at this obviously photoshopped fakery. Russians, hah! There Finnish, there height gives them away, anyone whose been to NE Finland would know right away!

    Jason
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Except the poor things been de-clawed.

    Rebekka Power
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His claws are clearly visible in the photo on the couch where he has his paw on the man's hand. Have a closer look.

    Load More Replies...
    Marci Wolff
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I think this bear will eventually get pissed off at something these humans do and bite one of them. Sorry, but a bear is a bear. I don't think it matters how nice they Are to him.

    Timothy Flanagan
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, effing adorable... Till she kicks the dog away at the end of the video.

    Jeanne Deaux
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agreed, what a b***h, only caring about the animal which could eventualy bring fame on her fat a*s.

    Load More Replies...
    Ariel Carmen
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The look she gives her dog and kicks him away... then keeps posing with the bear. Poor puppy. :(

    Panna Joanna
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, as usual I believe people should not have wild animals at home, no matter what. Even if this furry fellow is super cure. No, Russians, no!

    Adam Nixon
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Russians have known this and done this for centuries. Nothing wrong here, our perceptions are wrong. Why crows and not bears? Why dogs and not bears?

    Load More Replies...
    stanleyscout
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think she knew she kicked the dog. These are obviously animal loving people. This is so sweet and I give them a ton of credit. Keeping a huge animal like this cannot always be easy. The bear is beautiful and so is the whole family!

    Felicity Berkleef
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I loved the post, until I saw the part at the end, where she kicks the dog! Not nice at all! Poor doggy :(

    Scott Plachter
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She didn't KICK the dog...lol. She swooshed the dog away for the video shoot. That dog is just as loved as the bear...believe me.

    Leonie Spierings
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg people,... really,... that's not a kick,.. I REPEAT,.. Not a kick, by far, It's a frigging nudge. Just like I nudge my pets to move over cause there in the way. That does not make you an 'animal abuser' that makes you a normal person with pets that are in the way.

    CC Hogan
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Idiotic comments about the dog. She only twitches her leg because her dog sticks his wet nose on it and is being a pest - something dogs are very good at. The fact that the dog and the bear and the humans are sharing the space in such a relaxed way, despite trying to shoot a video, shows they all get on fine. And, let's face it, the video is meant to be about the bear, not the dog.

    Maria Machado
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All would be lovely hadn't she kicked the dog...something doesn't add up!

    Ron Kulig
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both are good folks. I'm sure the dog gets plenty of attention. The video was about the bear. People should NOT judge so harshly.

    Daria Yurc
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Показуха сплошная, противная баба, противный мужик, заказали фотосессию, баба причесалась накрасилась, мужик красивую жилетку надел, выпустили медведя попозировали и хватит, но для чего?

    Catherine Chalfoun
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i think they are scam and big fat opportunists and actors, they dont care about the bear they only care about money and fame!! she KICKED the dog at the end !!!! what an asswhole she is :(

    Mary Marty
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm skeptical about this family dynamic. I feel like I'm looking at an animal in a circus. For the bear's sake, I hope I'm wrong.

    GrumpyCat7
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was about to share this til I saw the kick! >:-[ What a cow!!!!

    Ron Kulig
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both are good folks. I'm sure the dog gets plenty of attention. The video was about the bear. People should not just die so harshly.

    Meeow
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was kinda adorable... Till she kicks the dog away at the end of the video. B***h!!! And Just cause your bear didn't bite you yet, don't mean it won't happens. Don't Say I Didn't Warn You

    Trav May
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not necessarily. They don't have two or three children to provide for, they may live below what is average for their wages in Moscow, and might have neighbors and others who donate food for Stepan. Then, it could be possible. without being rich.

    Load More Replies...
    Terry Olson
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The dog WAS trying to sniff her ass. She probably kicks her husband away when he attempts to sniff her. Perhaps she only allow the bear to sniff her ass.

    Terry Olson
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The dog WAS sniffing her ass. She probably only allows the bear to do that. Perhaps she kicks her husband away when he attempts to sniff her.

    Светлана Калинина
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    все это конечно замечательно, но медведь должен жить в дикой природе, а не на кожаном диване смотреть телевизор! у него в мозгах изначально заложено, что он-хищник, а не домашний питомец. А собаку и вправду жалко! ей никакого внимания не уделяется, пинают ее ногами, показывая всем видом, что медведя больше любят. Лучше бы детей завели, а медведя еще маленьким отдали в заповедник!

    Richard Petch
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Brilliant pictures, just goes to show what a bit of loving will do, I hope you all have a long and happy life together.

    Kristen Ross
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    is this even real? why are there no photos of the bear as a cub, also you can't tell me that a Bear lives in that tiny house with plates hanging on the wall and none of them are broken....I'm not sure I believe this story...

    Kathleen Vermeulen
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the lady is also on fb, I actually think the cub is or another orphan or one of his kids. 23 years there wasno such thing as digital media and they clearly needed their money to feed the bear.

    Load More Replies...
    Kristen Ross
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    is this even real??? why are there no photo's of the Bear as a cub?

    TabledTurnsxddd
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    duh because if we talking about the time you posted, then the time we talking that Stepan was a cub would be around 1986-1989. That being said, they PROBABLY did not have the money to go buy a camera, since, you know, they still need to buy food and sh** they needed? When 2010-2016 at least came, the camera prices were extremely low and easier to do. So they THEN bought a camera.

    Load More Replies...
    Adam Nixon
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I'll watch "Bear's Kiss" tonight, again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQA12TZ52PE

    Nesian Scribe
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No! Idiots, the bear belongs in the woods, not at your table sipping tea! That's what's wrong with this world, don't try to humanise the animal, the animal will always be wild!

    Sandy Popiah
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    maybe if they film about the dog, that lady kicks the bear as well. b***h.

    Laszlo Sterling
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    she didnt even kick the dog. she lightly nudged him. i nudge my dog when shes getting in the way. and besides, the video is about the bear and not the dog. both the animals are fine, so if you dont believe me then i cant change that. but i recommend it.

    Load More Replies...
    Dianna Friedman
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love it and I'm jealous, but they can't have any kids or friends. One wrong Swipe n that's it.

    Coral Makenzi Brannan
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not true! He hasn't hurt them in 23 years, and it looks like he has a dog as a brother... Why not a child or another adult?

    Load More Replies...
    Michael Hamiel
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bearable able to look at this obviously photoshopped fakery. Russians, hah! There Finnish, there height gives them away, anyone whose been to NE Finland would know right away!

    Jason
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Except the poor things been de-clawed.

    Rebekka Power
    Community Member
    8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His claws are clearly visible in the photo on the couch where he has his paw on the man's hand. Have a closer look.

    Load More Replies...
    Marci Wolff
    Community Member
    8 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I think this bear will eventually get pissed off at something these humans do and bite one of them. Sorry, but a bear is a bear. I don't think it matters how nice they Are to him.

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