High School Wrestler Has 450 Pound Bear As Training Partner

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MIDDLETOWN, Ohio -- High school athlete Josh Herbert is not easily intimidated by opponents. After all, he has a 6 foot 5 inch, 450-pound bear for a playmate.

Josh's family raised Buddy, the 8-year-old American Black Bear, since it was a cub. Now, Buddy is a lot bigger than Josh – but still likes to wrestle with him.

But Josh, the Middletown, Ohio, area senior, said the de-clawed bear never gets too rough and will back off if he shouts "No!" Herbert said, "He knows when to stop."

Josh, who plays football and wrestles, never faces an opponent that comes close to Buddy's size.

Josh's father Daniel Herbert is a veteran outdoorsman who has helped track and relocate bears. They have raised Buddy since he was a cub.

Josh is used to challenges. He battled back from life-threatening leukemia as a child. He now is interested in a career in veterinary medicine.

http://www.wftv.com/irresistible/4995220/detail.html

:bounce:

at nights, not wrestling kids...

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:D