A New Jersey family was in for an extraordinary sight one hot summer morning. The Basso family from Rockaway Township was shocked to find a black bear family happily splashing around in their backyard pool! The bear family, comprising a mother and her cubs, had seemingly wandered into the Basso’s backyard in search of a refreshing escape from the heat.
The bears were thoroughly enjoying themselves, frolicking in the cool water, playing with pool toys, and even attempting to use the slide. The sight of the bears behaving so much like humans—albeit with a touch more chaos—was both surreal and captivating.
We’re so glad the Bassos got this entire visual treat on camera. The footage shows the bear cubs exhibiting playful antics, diving into the water, and pawing at the floaties. The mother bear kept a watchful eye on her cubs while also indulging in the water herself.
This unexpected visit provided the Basso family with a unique glimpse into the behavior of black bears and the playful side of these typically elusive creatures. The video of the bear family’s pool party quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of people worldwide and serving as a delightful reminder of the wonders of nature that can appear right in our backyards.
The Bassos’ experience also highlighted the importance of coexistence with wildlife and respecting their space while marveling at such rare and precious moments. The family’s reaction—choosing to document and share the encounter rather than disturb the bears—demonstrated a harmonious balance between human curiosity and wildlife preservation.
Image/Story Source Credit: Inside Edition via YouTube Video
In this clip shared by the family, we see the mama bear and her 5 cubs totally enjoying the refreshing pool and other play accessories lying around in the backyard. So while some of the bear cubs wrestle each other in the pool, the rest get busy working out the family’s swing and slide set.
As for the mama bear, she nonchalantly oversees her kids while lounging in the cool rejuvenating water!
Image/Story Source Credit: Inside Edition via YouTube Video
We love how each member of the Basso family had their own unique perspective of the bear visit in the background conversation. Their little kid was thrilled at first but later got pretty stressed about the bear cubs “stealing” her floaties. Dad seemed equally bummed upon realizing that the bears were probably poking holes in the pool.
However, Mom was surely having a blast witnessing the rare bear adventure unfolding in front of her eyes.
Image/Story Source Credit: Inside Edition via YouTube Video
Despite the overall wholesomeness of the bear family’s fun pool party, there is a moment that causes the Bassos to panic. The mama bear grabs the pool’s plugged-in electric pump and starts fiddling around with it, even bringing it in contact with the water.
Luckily, the situation was brought under control and everyone was safe and sound! Do keep your volume up for this delightful clip!
Click the video below to watch the bear family adorably wrecking the backyard as they beat the heat!
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