Terrifying video shows moment circus bear attacks its trainer

OLONETS, Russia (AP) – 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 180 kilometers 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.

>> CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO

Another trainer hurries forward and kicks the bear repeatedly.

View this post on Instagram

#боровичигельлак #боровичикудрово #боровичишеллак #боровичи #боровичисити #боровичимакияж #боровичипричёски #боровичиокрашиваниебровей #боровичикупчино #боровичистрижки #боровичиногти #боровичи_мебель #боровичи🌸 #боровичисолярий #боровичиманикюр #боровичишугаринг #боровичидухи #боровичимебель #боровичионлайн #боровичикоррекциябровей #боровичидыбенко #боровичиокрашивания #боровичибукет #боровичипедикюр#боровичиноготки #боровичиновгород #боровичиновгоробл #боровичиногти #боровичиногтинедорого #боровичиноябрь

A post shared by Цирк шапито (@cirkusanshlag) on Mar 9, 2019 at 10:42am PST

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.

There were no barriers between the circus ring and the audience.

The Interfax news agency said the Investigative Committee has opened a criminal investigation on a charge of providing unsafe services.

Latest News Headlines: