Grizzly bear gets swimming lessons in local pool to prepare for television special

Grizzly bear gets swimming lessons in local pool

HELENA, Mont. — A 7-year-old learning how to swim at the local pool is nothing new unless it’s an 800-pound grizzly bear taking the plunge.

Brutus the bear slapped the water a few times and then gingerly backed into the East Helena pool while onlookers gawked on late last week.

Casey Anderson was teaching Brutus, who was born in captivity, how to swim and catch fish for a National Geographic special called “Expedition Kodiak,” scheduled to run next year.

Twelve-year-old Mauri Erickson walked over from her house and says it was really cool to see a bear swimming in her favorite pool.

Information from: Independent Record, www.helenair.com