VIDEO: Bear Forced to Perform in Russian Circus Fights Back
A bear attack during a Russian circus show is making international headlines! Shocking video of the attack, reportedly captured at a circus in the central Russian region of Altai Krai, shows a bear pinning a man to the ground as the horrified audience looks on. Dramatic—and dangerous—moments like this will continue to unfold as long as humans force bears and other animals to perform in stressful and unnatural circus environments.
Watch the Video: Bear Attacks Man During Russian Circus Performance
The bear, reportedly named Donut, was forced to continue performing after the attack. In the footage above, she can be seen “riding” a hoverboard while a man pulls her by a chain or leash around her neck.
Bears are large, powerful predators with sharp teeth and claws, which they use to kill prey and protect themselves.
In their natural homes, bears avoid humans. They spend their days digging, climbing, running, and swimming across vast home ranges that can be hundreds of square miles in size. They’re social, curious animals who display sophisticated problem-solving abilities. But when they’re exploited for entertainment, they’re denied everything that’s natural and important to them. This can cause many of them to exhibit signs of stress and depression.
![bear used in Russian circus pins man to the ground](https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Circus-bear-attacks-handler-in-Russia-screenshot-602x341.jpg)
It’s not surprising that many bears rebel when they’re denied food, beaten, or whipped in a circus ring.
Help Free Bears From Muzzles and Transport Trailers
Exploiting bears in circus performances is a dying practice in the U.S., but it isn’t completely dead and buried. One exhibitor that still exhibits bears at circuses is the Rosaire family, which has been forcing animals to perform for about 10 generations.
We need your help to free these bears from muzzles, transport trailers, and gawking strangers and send them to reputable sanctuaries: