As a part of an anti-hunting campaign, Russian models Maria Sidorova and Lidia Fetisova took part in a photoshoot with a large, 1,433-pound bear, named Stepan. Photographer Olga Barantseva, who captured the images, explained: “We wanted to show the natural harmony between humans and bears. It is about showing a traditional friendship – just like between two human friends – but between humans and the bears in Russia.”
The photos, taken in a forest outside Moscow, caused an overwhelming response from the Western media. The photoshoot was labeled “bizarre”. Models were praised as brave and sexy. Some pointed out that one model was wearing a fur coat. Others left an insightful advice: “please don’t try wandering into a forest, looking to cuddle up next to a giant grizzly – even if you’re a beautiful model.”
