THE GARDEN STATE — People have been known to have the wildest pets — but this woman from New Jersey appears to have not only tamed a mighty black bear but taught the bear some manners as well.

Upon first glance, viewers might mistake the bear starring in this video for an unwanted intruder, but it appears that the woman who is filming has complete control over the intimidating bear. CNN identified the woman in 2022 as bear activist Susan Kehoe, though Kehoe says she has not trained this bear she calls Mr. Doorman.

"Close the door, babe," Kehoe says to the bear poking his head through an open door from outside the house. After about 45 seconds of convincing, the bear complies, wrapping its mouth around the knob of the door and pulling it shut.

I've always been aware of the amazing tricks that we can teach our animals. The list of tricks you can teach a dog, for instance, is insanely long and can include anything from barking on command to playing dead. However, rarely does it seem like the pet understands the words you are saying but rather is following an auditory cue that they know will end with getting a treat — the woman and this bear seem to have a different, deeper sort of connection.

"All the way, baby," Kehoe said to Mr. Doorman after the bear had only pulled the door partially shut. Without any hesitation this time, the bear closes the door and nearly shuts it completely.

It just goes to show that we should never underestimate the intelligence of our furry friends or the things that they are capable of.

But it's also worth the reminder that Kehoe told CNN: Don't try this at home.

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