Rare Footage Captures Playful Exchange Between Man and Friendly Bear

Brave explorer Cemal Gulas can be seen inviting his counterpart into a stream where a playful water fight ensues before they enjoy a tight embrace as if best friends.

The video was filmed as part of the The Asia Expedition project, which encompasses a 20-month voyage from the Bosphorus (Istanbul) to the Bering Strait.

The footage, thought to have taken place in Altai Republic, will feature in a forthcoming 40 minute documentary called Parenthood Of A Bear and as such, explores the complexities of a largely-feared animal. With outstretched arms, Cemal is translated as saying ‘Come to me, son. Come to me, son’ and ‘Come to me, sweetheart’ in his native language.

The bear, though familiar with his outdoor surroundings, tip toes into the flowing stream tentatively before later launching himself in with a splash at the foot of the waterfall. Meanwhile, a playful Cemal, who is fully clothed and standing at waist-height in the water, starts to splash the bear before the fuzzy animal retaliates using both front paws while balanced on his hind legs.

The duo then embrace and tussle in a mixture of boisterous rough and tumble, and kisses to the forearm and neck; something the bear seems to enjoy.

It’s not behaviour characteristically seen from this type of mammal, which is more regularly feared, even if wildlife experts argue that their danger is a myth.
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