Last Updated on January 1, 2024 by Fumipets
Do Bears Make Good Pets? Unveiling the Reality of Bear Ownership
Bears have long captivated human fascination with their majestic presence and awe-inspiring strength. However, the question of whether bears make good pets is a complex and controversial one. As we delve into the world of bear ownership, we explore the challenges, legalities, and ethical considerations surrounding the idea of keeping these wild creatures as domestic companions.
Do Bears Make Good Pets?
DISCLAIMER: We do not support keeping these animals as pets.
Perhaps there was a moment when you pondered the question, “Do bears make excellent pets?” Bears do not make excellent pets, is the response. It also doesn’t matter what kind of bear you’re referring to. Bears, that is.
We get what you’re thinking: Clearly, some people can make it work since you’ve seen tamed bears at the circus and other places.
To learn more about what you would be getting yourself into, read on before you flee with a grizzly cub.
Is Owning a Bear Really That Bad?
Imagine an animal that can reach speeds of 40 mph, weighs 1,500 pounds, and has a bite forceful enough to break a bowling ball. Imagine now if the animal had pooped on the carpet once again and you had to slap it on the snout with a rolled-up newspaper.
You don’t seem to think it would go well for you, do you?
Bears that are nurtured as cubs may be kind and lively, according to many exotic animal trainers. All right, but keep in mind that a bear can just as easily kill you jokingly as they can kill you angrily.
Unlike dogs and cats, bears are enormous, fearsome animals that have never been successfully domesticated. They have wild blood running through their veins, so even if you raised one from a cub and spent a lot of time socializing and training them, you could become a hot lunch on one bad day.
Also, even if you could successfully domesticate a bear, it’s not ideal for the animal. Keeping them in your backyard isn’t humane since they require space to roam and graze.
Is It Even Legal to Own a Bear?
Unexpectedly, bear ownership is permitted in at least six states: Nevada, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Other states may allow bear ownership, but you’ll need to apply for specialized permission first.
Obtaining that permission will probably be costly and time-consuming, and authorities will probably verify that you have bear-proof facilities before approving them.
Additionally, since living near a Kodiak is seen as a risk factor for an early death, anticipate your insurance prices to soar.
Is There Anything Else That You Should Know About Owning a Bear?
Don’t underestimate the expense of feeding an adult bear; it would be rather pricey. To appropriately house a bear, you would need a large enclosure, and even then, there probably wouldn’t be enough going on inside to keep the bear occupied. The bear would probably quickly get despondent if they remained in the cage.
Because bears are such cunning creatures, it would be difficult to imprison them. Bears may draw you into the environment just to suddenly spring out in the worst surprise party ever since they have even been known to disguise their tracks and hide while being followed by hunters.
Are There Any Benefits to Owning Bears?
Bears are supposed to have a clean, fresh scent, and if one is around, you’ll have the honey-stealing companion you’ve been looking for.
They work well at scaring off door-to-door salespeople, and robbers won’t stay in a property with a “Beware of Bear” sign up in the window for too long.
But aside from that, not much can be said about owning a bear.
What About a Panda? Technically, they are bears, right?
Yes, technically speaking, they are still bears because pandas are bears. They can kill you just as easily as their more frightful cousins thanks to their incredibly potent bites.
Pandas have developed strong jaws because they have to eat bamboo, which is incredibly tough. Although they are not naturally aggressive, if they believe you deserve it, they won’t hesitate to open those jaws.
Since all pandas are technically owned by the Chinese government, it is also illegal to own one. Even the ones you see in zoos are from China, and their annual rent can reach $1 million.
It turns out that one of the reasons breeding pandas has been so challenging is that they frequently reproduce in threes.
What’s the Verdict? Do Bears Make Good Pets?
Bears are poor choices as pets. They may appear cute, but that’s just a ploy to get you to come close so they can eat your delectable insides. No matter how hard you attempt to domesticate one, bringing one into your house is going to end tragically.
Additionally, keep in mind some of the terrible things that humans have done to bears throughout history, including killing, mistreating, and compelling them to take part in abhorrent bloodsports like bear baiting.
Don’t you feel that you owe it to them to leave them alone at last?
Questions & Answers – Bears as Pets:
Are Bears Legal to Keep as Pets?
The legality of keeping bears as pets varies widely by location. In some areas, it’s outright banned due to safety and animal welfare concerns, while in others, it might be permitted with strict regulations.
What Are the Challenges of Keeping Bears as Pets?
Bears pose numerous challenges as pets, including their immense size, dietary needs, territorial behavior, and the potential for aggression. These factors make them unsuitable for most individuals.
How Do Bears Compare to Traditional Pets?
Bears differ significantly from traditional pets like dogs and cats. They require specialized care, large enclosures, and a deep understanding of their natural behaviors.
Do Bears Form Bonds with Humans?
While some bear owners claim to have formed bonds with their pets, it’s essential to remember that bears are wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable.
What Are the Ethical Concerns Surrounding Bear Ownership?
The ethical concerns of bear ownership center on issues like conservation, animal welfare, and the impact on wild bear populations. Keeping bears as pets often raises questions about their well-being and the message it sends regarding wildlife conservation.
