Video: “Vegetarian” Brown Bear Joins Russian Picnic
OutdoorHub Reporters 12.14.15
Is this irresponsible? A recent photograph showing a Russian brown bear with a model and her young daughter has raised some eyebrows—and led to some angry remarks. According to Caters, the photo was taken in Moscow, Russia as part of a shoot and involved a male bear named Stepan. The bear was rescued by a Russian couple since he was abandoned at birth and was reportedly raised on a strictly vegetarian diet. Its caretakers say this meat-free diet keeps the bear docile and lowers the risk of attacking humans.
“Stepan doesn’t know the taste of meat—he loves mozzarella and cookies. He is in constant communication with people and knows what kindness and care are,” says Olga Barantseva.
Critics say that a wild animal could never be 100 percent predictable. In addition, some say that the meat-free diet is unnatural, especially after Barantseva admitted that the bear tired easily. What really drew outrage however, was when a model by the name of Irina—she declined to give her last name—included her young daughter in a photo shoot with the bear. The girl could be seen in several photos hugging and even riding the large animal. Worried viewers pointed out that while the bear may seem docile, it should still be considered a dangerous animal and great care should be taken in allowing it so close to the child.
Barantseva said that by the end of the photo shoot, the bear had won over the girl’s complete trust—but it probably needed a nap.
What do you think? Is this irresponsible, or are people just overreacting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
