When you think of polar bears, images of massive, powerful creatures roaming the Arctic come to mind—fierce predators that dominate their environment.
But for one man, a polar bear is not just a symbol of raw nature but a lifelong companion, sharing his home, pool, and even his bed.
Meet Mark Dumas, a bear trainer from British Columbia, who has developed an extraordinary bond with a 60-stone polar bear named Agee, a relationship that defies both conventional wisdom and, in many ways, nature itself.
A Bond Like No Other
Mark Dumas has been working with bears for over four decades, earning the title of one of the most experienced bear trainers in the world. His journey into the world of bear training began early in his career, and since then, he has trained numerous bears for film and television.
However, none of his past experiences could compare to the connection he shares with Agee, an adult polar bear who stands more than seven feet tall when she rises on her hind legs. The relationship between the two is something few would believe if they didn’t see it for themselves.
Unlike the typical trainer-animal relationship, Mark and Agee have developed a bond that goes far beyond work. They swim together, play together, and even nap together in Agee’s enclosure.
The trust between them is so deep that Mark can wrestle with Agee, knowing she won’t hurt him. However, Mark is keen to point out that this unique bond comes from decades of experience and understanding of bear behavior. “If anyone else tried this,” he said, “they would end up as Agee’s dinner.”
Understanding Agee’s Language
One of the reasons Mark and Agee’s relationship works is because Mark has spent years honing his ability to read the polar bear’s body language. Agee may be large and powerful, but like all animals, she communicates through subtle movements and behaviors.
Mark has become an expert in understanding her needs and moods, allowing him to safely interact with her in ways that most people would consider unthinkable.
Mark’s extensive experience in bear training has made him a master of recognizing when Agee is playful, relaxed, or needs space. It’s a skill he’s developed over decades, and it’s what allows him to wrestle with a bear that could easily harm him if she felt threatened. “Agee is the boss,” Mark often says, emphasizing that their relationship works because he respects her boundaries and follows her rules.
A Day in the Life with a Polar Bear
Life with a polar bear isn’t exactly ordinary. Mark and Agee’s daily routine includes swimming sessions in a large pool where the two cool off and have fun together.
Polar bears, being natural swimmers, are in their element in water, and Agee is no exception. She dives, splashes, and swims alongside Mark, just like a person might with a dog. The two of them spend hours in the water, bonding through playful interactions that would leave most people in awe—and perhaps a bit terrified.
After a swim, it’s not uncommon for the pair to retire to Agee’s enclosure for a rest. Agee and Mark share an undeniable closeness, even taking naps together.
While this might sound like a recipe for disaster, it’s another testament to the unique trust they have developed over the years. For Mark, Agee isn’t just a wild animal; she’s a friend, a companion, and a part of his daily life.
The Dangers of Living with a Polar Bear
As extraordinary as Mark and Agee’s relationship is, it’s not without its risks. Polar bears are the largest land predators on Earth, and their natural instincts make them incredibly dangerous to humans.
In the wild, they are known for their strength, sharp claws, and ability to hunt seals, making them one of the most formidable creatures in the animal kingdom. Mark is fully aware of the dangers that come with living alongside such a powerful predator.
Despite their bond, Mark never forgets that Agee is still a wild animal at heart. He has spent years learning to interpret her body language and anticipate her behavior, but he knows that one wrong move could be deadly.
It’s a delicate balance that requires constant attention, respect, and an understanding of animal instincts. “Agee is the boss,” Mark says. “I follow her rules, and that’s why we get along.”
Featured in Documentary: Living with the World’s Largest Predators
Mark and Agee’s unique relationship is one of the many captivating stories featured in the documentary “There’s a Polar Bear in My Pool,” produced by Barcroft Originals.
he documentary explores the lives of people who share their homes with some of the world’s most dangerous animals, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the unconventional lifestyles of bear trainers, handlers, and enthusiasts.
In addition to Mark and Agee, the documentary highlights other families who have built their lives around raising and training bears. One such family is the Weldes, who live in Florida and have been training bears for the film industry for nearly 90 years.
Johnny Welde and his family have trained some of the largest bears in the world, including 900-pound giants that have appeared in countless movies and television shows.
The documentary also introduces viewers to Carl Bovard, another bear enthusiast who shares his Florida home with two young bears, Bruiser and Honey. While these baby bears may not be as large or fearsome as Agee, they are still formidable creatures in their own right. Carl’s bears enjoy swimming and even surfing in his backyard, a testament to the playful nature that can exist even in such powerful animals.
Bears in Entertainment: A Generational Tradition
The use of bears in the entertainment industry is not new, but it requires a special level of expertise to handle these massive animals safely. Families like the Weldes have been raising and training bears for generations, passing down the knowledge and skills needed to interact with these creatures from one generation to the next.
Johnny Welde’s son, Johnny Jr., has been working with bears since he was just three years old, and the family continues to raise and train these animals with a deep respect for their natural behaviors.
The Weldes’ bears have been featured in numerous films and television shows, including classic productions like “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “The Lucy Show,” and even Disney movies. Their extensive experience in training bears has allowed them to build a unique bond with these animals, similar to the one Mark shares with Agee.
Conclusion: A Relationship Built on Trust and Respect
The extraordinary bond between Mark Dumas and his polar bear, Agee, is a powerful example of how trust, respect, and years of experience can create a relationship that seems impossible at first glance.
While living with a polar bear may not be for everyone, Mark has found a way to make it work, thanks to his deep understanding of animal behavior and his unwavering respect for Agee’s instincts.
For Mark, Agee is not just a wild animal—she’s his best friend, a companion who shares his life in a way that few others could understand. Their story is a reminder of the incredible connections that can exist between humans and animals, even those that are typically considered dangerous.
