Brutus the Grizzly and His family – Update

Millions of people have seen the National Geohraphic piece on the guy who saved two very young cubs, Brutus and Sheena. Casey Anderson, the naturalist, formed an incredible relationship with Brutus, raised him at home and he became part of the family.

Two years after the story aired, I decided to follow up and check on Brutus and Anderson (the human).

Around the globe, many people thought these pics were photoshopped. It’s possible… Take a look:

brutus and sheena cubs

brutus and sheena cubs

They were born in January 2002 at a captive bear facility.

Here they are at Thanksgiving dinner. It lookes totally fake… or at least heavily edited. Just how does an 800 lbs grizzly gets into your dining room and it still look perfect… (but… don’t judge yet, there is a video below)

brutus at thanksgiving

brutus at thanksgiving

Here is Brutus kissing Anderson:

brutus gives kiss

brutus gives kiss

Here is the video from the Thanksgiving Dinner

So, where is Brutus now?

Brutus lived inside Casey’s house for years, until he was too large…thatms when the outdoor natural habitat was created (NO cruel fencing or cages).

Anderson said he never leaves Brutus ALONE with other people…NOT that he doesn’t ever let Brutus around other people.

Bears born in captivity and raised the way Brutus has, this can never be released into the wild for two reasons. A captive born cub lacks the two years of learning how to survive that wild bears receive while living with their mothers in nature. Also a bear born in captivity lacks the fear of humans that makes wild bears avoid dangerous interactions with humans. These bears cannot be returned to the wild

Although Brutus will never be able to roam the wilderness himself, he became the ambassador for wild bears. Thousands of people come each year to see Brutus in his home at Montana Grizzly Encounter Rescue and Educational Sanctuary. The visitors learn an appreciation for grizzly bears and learn about bear safety, preservation and conservation. When he is not at home at the Grizzly Encounter, Brutus also travels the country appearing in films, television commercials and live educational shows. All proceeds support the sanctuary and further the cause of wild grizzly bear education and conservation.

This is a long post, but I wanted to share with you other bear related posts if you are a bear lover:


A cat helping herself to the bear’s food.

Here is a cougar chasing the cutest cub.. (and the cheesiest sound effects)

Here is a documented natural friendship which developed between a polar bear and huskies.