Most animal lovers would be happy to have a dog, or even a cat as their constant and loyal companion.

But naturalist Casey Anderson has taken that a step further and adopted an 58-stone grizzly bear called Brutus, who he has raised since birth. The pair are inseparable and are so close that when Anderson married Charlie and the Chocolate Factory actress Missi Pyle in August last year, the bear stood in as best man. In fact, the creature is so fond of humans that he has become an integral part of the family, and even has the occasional place at the kitchen table and has appeared in a move with Pyle.

And while most cynics might argue the pictures are the result of Photoshop technology, Anderson and National Geographic have vouched for their authenticity. ‘He’s my best friend,’ Anderson told Good Morning America. ‘He gives me unconditional love.’ Anderson said the creatures were his passion and it was his aim to educate the public about how important it was to preserve their environment. He added many people wrongly assumed that bears were blood-thirsty man eaters which in fact the opposite is true and they normally shun human contact.

‘It’s the biggest misconception. When you hear about a grizzly bear, it’s because they have done something wrong.’ Anderson said. ‘We’re trying to cure the myths, educate the public.’ He added there was a way of coexisting with these animals but that humans had to play by the rules.

“Guess who’s coming to dinner”

This could end badly. See more photos here.