An orphan bear cub was rescued by a russian couple, but they didn't expect a 150-pound bear to become part of their family

24 years ago Svetlana and Yuri Panteleenko, a couple from Russia, added a new family member.. but not one they expected.

Two hunters, friends of the Panteleenko family, brought back a bear club to their doorstep and asked them if they would take care of the little cub.

Because there were no wildlife rehabilitation programs and the mother wasn't seen around, Yuri and Svetlana agreed to do their best for the little bear.

What they didn't know was that the surprise visitor would change their lives forever.

The couple adopted Stefan when he was a 3-month-old orphan bear cub

Weak and lonely, two hunters found him in the woods

But Svetlana and Yuri treated him wonderfully

The now 24-year-old bear is a loving and playful friend of the family

"He really loves people and he's a really sociable bear"

"Despite what people think, he's not aggressive at all"

"Stefan never tried to bite us"

The bear eats 25 kg of eggs, vegetables and fish every day!

After a big meal, he likes to cuddle

The gentle giant manages to keep fit with outdoor games

But there is nothing he loves doing more than cuddling with his owner

Here's a short documentary about the family in this video: