A shocking incident occurred at a circus in Bijsk, Russia, where a performing bear suddenly attacked its trainer during a show, nearly leading to a tragic outcome.
Lunged at Trainer Midway Through Act
The bear, initially riding a hoverboard and performing tricks, unexpectedly turned aggressive after receiving a treat.
The attack took place on Saturday in front of a nearly sold-out crowd. The highlight of the evening was a performance by the experienced trainer Sergei and his brown bear.
Midway through the act, the bear lunged at Sergei, who had little time to react. The audience watched in horror as the bear knocked Sergei to the ground, attempting to maul his face and hands.
A video shared on the Telegram channel "Bijsk 22" captured the harrowing scene. Despite the ferocity of the attack, Sergei managed to regain control. He calmly took hold of the bear's leash, stood up, and waited for the animal to calm down before continuing the performance as if nothing had happened.
Trainer Escaped Unharmed
Following the incident, there was widespread concern that Sergei might have been seriously injured, with rumors circulating about a possible hand amputation.
However, it was soon confirmed that the trainer was miraculously unharmed. After the show, Sergei displayed his hands, showing no signs of scars or injuries. He downplayed the attack, calling it a "small moment," and expressed his intention to continue performing with the bear.
Incidents like these highlight the ongoing concerns about animal cruelty in circuses. Wild animals, such as bears and tigers, are often subjected to harsh training methods and are kept in unnatural conditions, leading to stress and unpredictable behavior.
Animal rights advocates argue that using animals for entertainment is inhumane and unnecessary, pushing for bans on such practices.
