OTISVILLE, N.Y. — Bear hugs are nothing. Jim Kowalczik (koh-WAHL-zihk) hugs bears.
Kowalczik lies on the ground as his 1,500-pound bear buddy, Jimbo, rests a heavy paw on his waist.
Jimbo is among the 11 bears living at Kowalczik's non-profit Orphaned Wildlife Center 60 miles northwest of New York City.
There are plenty of wildlife rehabilitators and other centres that care for bears. But Kowalczik has grabbed attention for his hands-on approach to the task.
One Facebook video of him playing with Jimbo has received more than 16 million views. Kowalczik describes it as something as natural as petting your dog. The bears are like his children, he says, and they have never injured him.
But experts are clear: Do not get up close with any bear like Kowalczik does.
