Most of the time, the greatest reward an animal lover will get is the knowledge that they have positively impacted the life of a creature. But this man got something even greater from a black bear named Simone.
In North Carolina, black bears are a common sight. As their populations have grown, so has the likelihood that people will come in contact with them. For that reason, many bears are comfortable with humans in a way most bears would not be.
Patrick Connelly met Simone in 2017. Instead of shooing her away, he welcomed the black bear on his property, bringing her and her family a treat. Over the years, Patrick began to see the black bear as part of his family.
So, when Simone showed up on his property again, Patrick was unconcerned, stepping outside to greet his ursine friend. But he was shocked when he saw who was with Simone.
Walking close behind the black bear’s heels were two adorable black bear cubs. “The cubs are the cutest things to ever have walked these woods,” Patrick wrote in the description of his video, “but then I’m kind of biased.”
After emerging from the trees, Simone and her two babies walked onto Patrick’s porch. It was as if Simone wanted to show her friend the two fluffy additions to her small family.
When they had finished their visit, Simone and her cubs walked back into the forest, and Patrick could not have been more excited. “She seemed pretty comfortable with the proximity,” Patrick wrote, “so I’m guessing we’ll be seeing her again soon.”
