They may not be everyone's idea of a welcome guest, but these animals are smarter than the average bear.

And a retired teacher claims the way to their heart is through their big, hairy tummies.

Charlie Vandergaw has been able to tame wild bears by plying them with food.

He has 'befriended' dozens of grizzly and black bears over 20 years after they roamed near his home in the Yentna River Valley, in Alaska.

And he is happy to let people get close to his unlikely friends.

More pictures after the jump.

Image Gallery: Snopes
Source: Metro
Tags: Bear | Animal

Labels: Animal

Posted by Spluch on 14 June, 2007 at 22:02 | Permalink |