Teddy bears are cuddly, cute, and you can buy one in just about any toy store in the country. But the strange origin of the teddy bear is less well-known. The story becomes even stranger when you consider that advertisers and toy makers alike planned to make American kids throw their teddy bears in the trash — in favor of cuddly, stuffed possums. 99% Invisible: Billy Possum comes to us from the 99% Invisible Podcast produced by Roman Mars, and Independent producer Jon Mooallem.
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