Hugging a bear, which sounds dangerous, is an actual job in New Mexico State officials in New Mexico are hiring professional bear huggers. The listing reads: "must have the ability to hike in strenuous conditions" and "the courage to crawl into a bear den."

Hugging a bear, which sounds dangerous, is an actual job in New Mexico

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SACHA PFEIFFER, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Sacha Pfeiffer.

You have heard of bear hugs. How about hugging a bear? That's an actual job in New Mexico. The state is hiring professional bear huggers. The listing says, quote, "must have the ability to hike in strenuous conditions and the courage to crawl into a bear den," and, "PS - we do not recommend crawling into bear dens." The official job title is conservation officer and does involve cuddling cubs, but, sorry, only for research. It's MORNING EDITION.

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