Could it be that one of our beloved childhood toys is harboring a hidden danger? According to French researchers, that may be the case. However, it is most likely not what you are expecting. Rather than trace amounts of lead or suffocation risks, these researchers argue that this toy does something else entirely. French researchers are arguing that teddy bears are too adorable and that this is giving children the wrong view of nature.

The Supposed Hidden Danger Behind Teddy Bears

Yes, you read that correctly. French researchers are arguing that children’s lack of knowledge around nature and grizzly bears stems from the false sense of safety that teddy bears provide. Apparently, snuggling with an adorable, fluffy bear leads children to grow up and believe they should not be fearful of the wild grizzlies.

While this team of researchers seems steadfast in their opinion, not all experts agree. In fact, several disagree and think the claim is idiotic. Some of those experts spoke to Cowboy State Daily about what they really think the issue is. Spoiler alert, it is not a hidden danger in your child’s teddy bear.

Grizzly advocate Randy Rannow of Boise told the outlet, “It’s about parenting, that’s the bottom line.” Similar to many of life’s important lessons, the instruction begins at home. Regardless of whether your child grew up with a teddy bear, that is not the issue. Instead, knowing how to interact with nature and wildlife comes from being taught the right lessons early on.

Experts Call Shenanigans

As previously stated, many bear experts believe the claim that teddy bears pose a hidden danger to children is ludicrous. Rannow, a member of the International Association for Bear Research and Management, explained quite simply how children would be able to spot the difference.

“Teach them that this (the teddy bear) is a cuddly toy that you play with,” he explained. “But when you go out into the wild, these bears are wild things, and here’s what you need to know to stay out of trouble.”

French scientists made a bold claim. They stated, “If children are exposed only to adorable characters – like teddy bears and Winnie the Pooh – it will distort their perception of nature.” Naturally, many disagree with this claim. Rannow instead argues that those who get too close to wildlife or do not interact with them properly do so “because they were never told differently.” It has no way of correlating with whether “they had teddy bears.”

While I am no expert, I am inclined to agree with the bear experts here. After all, if the French researchers are right, could the same argument not be made for all stuffed animals? Should we not then give stuffed animals of cheetahs, lions, polar bears, or any other deadly animals? At the end of the day, I don’t think the hidden danger is in your child’s teddy bear. Rather, it is in the lack of communicating important topics, such as how to safely interact with wildlife.

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