A family from China had always dreamed of having a Tibetan Mastiff, one of the world's largest and strongest dogs. They knew this dog would keep them safe at night in their tiny village.
So, they adopted a little puppy and began caring for him. But soon, they started noticing strange things about their newest family member.
Strange Animal
While they knew that a Tibetan Mastiff consumes more food than the average dog, their little puppy would eat so much food that the family had to spend half of their paycheck on it.
Their Tibetan Mastiff puppy soon reached a weight of 250 pounds!
His Behavior Began To Change
A few weeks later, the puppy began standing on his two back legs and roaring at his owners. Something wasn't right. But they didn't know just how bad it was going to get.
The family soon regretted bringing this strange animal into their home.
Eight-foot-long Animal
After one year, the little puppy grew into an eight-foot-long animal that resembled a bear. The owners wanted to get rid of him, as they were genuinely concerned for their safety.
So, they made the decision to contact the authorities.
It Was An Asian Black Bear
The Chinese family soon learned that not only were they keeping an Asian Black Bear as a pet, but this was also an endangered species protected by law.
“The more he grew, the more like a bear he looked,” the owner told Chinese Media. “I am a little scared of bears.”
They Are Protected By Law
Asian Black Bears are often sold on the black market. But, of course, the family wasn't aware of it.
They called the police as they were concerned that their home wasn't big enough for the animal.
They Couldn't Afford To Keep Him
They also knew that the animal they had been keeping as a pet for one year was no Tibetan Mastiff, and they wanted to free it.
But, most importantly, they wanted to get rid of the animal as soon as possible as they couldn't afford to feed him anymore. However, the family feared they would end up in prison.
They Got Fooled
They got fooled by a seller who promised them a Tibetan Mastiff puppy, and now they had to pay for it.
When the police heard their story, they were speechless. Did the family get in trouble for keeping a bear in their home?
The Police Arrived
The authorities arrived at their home shortly and began investigating the matter. They couldn't believe the Chinese family had been keeping a while bear at home for more than a year.
They thanked the family for contacting them and wanting to give the bear a chance at a happy life. However, the police still punished them for what they had done.
They Gave Them A Fine
Since the family was the ones to contact them, the officers agreed to give them a lighter punishment in the form of a hefty fine. Still, it was better than serving a jail sentence.
The family also told them the name of the person who sold them the bear, and the police arrested him. But, what happened to the bear?
Searching For A Home
The police officers needed to find a suitable home for the bear, which proved to be a big challenge.
Since the animal was raised at home, he didn't know how to survive in the wild and integrate with the other bears. So, what did they decide to do?
He Received Help
A local animal group specializing in wild animals helped the officers to find a home for the bear. He was taken to a special rescue center where he will be taught how to survive in the wild.
However, some experts believe that the family's intentions might not have been as pure as they want the world to think. According to them, it's hard to mistake a young wild animal for a domestic pet.
An Expert's Opinion
Founder and president of Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation In San Antonio, Lynn Cuny, said: “You never think you’re hearing a dog or a puppy when you hear a bear.”
“My first reaction to this is that there’s something more going on here than just an honest mistake. This should never happen.” But, how is the bear doing today?
He Scared Them At First
The staff recalled being intimidated by the wild animal at first. He was sedated before being transported to the rescue center.
He was confirmed as an endangered Asian Black Bear, which is on the International Union for Conversation of Nature list.
At His New Home
We hope that the bear is doing well at his new home and has made many new friends.
It has now been almost five years since the Chinese family adopted him believing he was a Tibetan Mastiff.