A family in Yunnan Province, China, bought a puppy in 2016 and only realized that the animal was actually an Asiatic black bear two years later. Believing the animal to be a Tibetan mastiff dog, the family took it home and fed it normally without suspecting anything.
Over time, however, the family began to realize that the animal was growing much more than it should have and that its behavior was not that of a dog. The “dog” had a voracious appetite, devouring a box of fruit and two buckets of pasta every day, in addition to walking upright on its hind legs.
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The Discovery of a Dog That Actually Wasn't a Dog
In 2018, when the animal already weighed more than 100 kg and was still growing, the family decided to take the “dog” to the authorities.
An animal rescue team identified that the animal was, in fact, an Asiatic black bear, a species classified as vulnerable and endangered.
The case drew attention to the family's confusion in believing the animal was a Tibetan mastiff dog. This breed of dog is known for being very large, with a male being able to weigh 70 kg.
Furthermore, Tibetan mastiffs are considered one of the rarest dog breeds in the world and are difficult to find outside of China.
The Asiatic black bear, on the other hand, is a medium-sized bear with sharp claws and black fur with a white or cream V-shaped marking on the chest. The species is mostly found in Asia and is endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Conclusion
The case of the Chinese family that bought a bear thinking it was a dog highlights the importance of knowing the species of an animal before adopting it as a pet.
Furthermore, the case shows how easy it is to confuse similar species, such as the Tibetan mastiff dog and the Asiatic black bear.
It is important for people to inform themselves and seek expert help before adopting a pet, ensuring that the choice is the best for both the family and the animal.
