Just to prove you can a live tame bear:
Troops of the Polish 22 Transport Artillery Support Unit watch as one of their comrades play wrestles with Voytek (Wojtek) their mascot bear during their service in the Middle East.
'Voytek the Soldier bear' was adopted by troops of the 22nd Artillery Support Company of the Polish II Corps after he was found in Iran, ill and malnurished in 1942. He soon became a mascot for the unit. When the company shipped out to Italy authorities refused to allow pets so the troops 'enlisted' Voytek as an serviceman in their unit giving him a name, rank and service number. In return for the occassional cigarette and beer the bear would help the unit by carrying heavy loads. He became world famous after his exploits during the campaign in Italy notably including helping move artillery shells to the firing guns during the bombardment of Monte Cassino. After the war Voytek followed the unit to Scotland but after its dispansion he was housed in Edinburgh Zoo until his death there aged 22 in 1963.