Bear attack on Russian handler caught on video, showing no barrier in front of audience

[TomSea]

Bear attack on Russian handler caught on video, showing no barrier in front of audience
October 25, 2019 / 7:09 AM / CBS/AP

Moscow — Officials have opened a criminal investigation after a circus bear attacked and injured its trainer during a performance in northern Russia. Video of the Thursday attack in Olonets, a town 110 miles northeast of St. Petersburg, shows the bear pushing a wheelbarrow while walking on its hind legs, then attacking the trainer, biting him and forcing him to the floor. Another trainer hurries forward and kicks the bear repeatedly.

A bear attacks its handler during a circus show in Olonets, a town 110 miles northeast of St. Petersburg, Russia. APTN

There were no barriers between the circus ring and the audience, and video of the incident shows people in the front rows of the crowd trying to move away with small children as the trainer is mauled just feet in front of them.

The online news site gazeta.ru cited a witness as saying the bear then ventured into the audience area before being subdued with an electric shocker.

Read more at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bear-attack-russia-circus-trainer-caught-on-video-no-barrier-front-of-horrified-audience-2019-10-25/

Also: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2019/10/25/russian-circus-bear-attacks-trainer-mid-performance/4094935002/