A video showing a Russian man feeding his pet bear in freezing weather has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with users debating whether wild animals can truly be kept as pets.
The video, shared by a social media influencer, shows the man interacting comfortably with the bear while surrounded by snow in temperatures reportedly reaching minus 10 degrees Celsius. The unusual scene quickly attracted attention online and generated mixed reactions from viewers.
According to media reports, pet ownership is extremely common in Russia. A recent INSOMAR poll found that around 70 percent of Russians own pets. The survey indicated that 53 percent of respondents keep cats, while 30 percent own dogs.
70% of Russians HAVE PETS (even unexpected ones) says recent INSOMAR poll
53% have cats, and 30% dogs
What pet would you prefer to keep warm with in Russia? pic.twitter.com/y8jBjNvJnv
— RT (@RT_com) June 10, 2026
However, some Russians are also known for keeping more unconventional animals, including exotic and wild species. The video of the bear has reignited debate about the safety, ethics, and practicality of raising such animals in domestic environments.
Many social media users expressed amazement at the apparent bond between the man and the bear. Others questioned whether a wild animal can ever be fully domesticated, regardless of how long it has lived with humans.
Wildlife experts generally caution against keeping bears as pets. Although some bears may appear calm around their owners, they remain powerful wild animals with unpredictable instincts. As a result, many countries impose strict regulations on owning such animals.
The video continues to attract comments from viewers around the world, with many sharing stories about their own pets and discussing what animal they would choose to keep.
When asked what pet they would prefer, most users selected dogs or cats due to their companionship, loyalty, and suitability for home life. Others said they would enjoy keeping birds, rabbits, or fish because they are easier to manage and care for.
