Bear waves to people in viral video from Washington

A viral video about a bear that waves back to a young girl who first waved to it is making the rounds in the media these days. The "Today" show was among the latest outlets to feature this rather ancient (in Internet years) video.

It was posted on YouTube in June 2010, but, according to a story on ABC News, it "has become a hit on YouTube today." Indeed, it is popular, having been viewed more than 1.9 million times. Actually, there are several videos about the waving bear.

Now, thanks to ABC News, we know why the bear waves to people. But first, the YouTube video:





How nice.

The Kodiak bear makes its home at the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, Wash., where it routinely waves to people.

Here's how ABC News explains it:

If it may seem odd to see a giant bear wave to a human, this particular bear has show business in its blood.

Its home, the Olympic Game Farm, is a park for retired show animals that have previously worked in TV, films and at theme parks.

The farm worked exclusively for Walt Disney Studios for 28 years, providing animal actors for productions like "The Incredible Journey," "White Wilderness" and the "Grizzly Adams" television and movie series, according to its website.

In 1972, the farm opened its doors to the public and now offers tours, a petting farm and educational activities, in addition to caring for the animals that call it home.

So if you want to go where bears wave back to you, go to the Olympic Game Farm in Washington. But we advise against trying this if you ever happen to encounter a Kodiak bear in Alaska. The welcome might not be as friendly.


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