THIS is the shocking moment a performing brown bear appears to attack a female trainer while performing in a circus.
Horrified children and their parents watched the beast clawing at the woman's legs in Berezovsky, Kemerovo, Russia.
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The bear was in the middle of a performance when it attacked the female trainer Credit: The Siberian Times 4
She tried to pul herself away from the bear which was clawing at her Credit: The Siberian Times
Two other trainers had to pull the bear, which was dressed in a hat and glittering scarf, away from her as she struggled to break free.
She then fell in the ring, and appeared to be in significant pain, but the bear was forced to continue performing and attacked her for a second time.
The woman dangled a hoop in front of the animal before she was grabbed again, with a male trainer intervening to pull the bear away,
Local reports have claimed that the bear attacked her for a third time but the show still continued despite the trainer's injuries.
It is thought that she did not seek treatment for her injuries despite the public attack.
The circus is famed for dressing bears in human clothes with some wearing tutus and “prides itself on humane training of the animals”.
"THERE WAS NO INCIDENT"
The Russian Investigative Committee is studying the fracas on Saturday to check whether there were safety breaches during the performance when there was no fence or barrier with spectators.
The Harlequin Travelling Circus later denied there had been an attack, despite the video evidence.
A spokesman told Mash Siberia: “There was no incident whatsoever. Simply speaking, bears are now in mating season.”
The circus promises “an unforgettable large-scale performance with a wide variety of animals” to “surprise every city in Russia”.
Its' website says: “The artists present a symbiosis of training, clownery and high-class stunts in the circus ring.”
Tickets were priced at 500 roubles or ￡4.90.
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Irina Novozhilova, of animal rights group VITA, has called for the prohibition of all circuses with live animals, which remain popular across Russia.
She added: “No circus conditions will be humane for one simple reason. Training goes hand in hand with cruelty.
“Circuses are always cruel beyond limits. And circuses with animals should be banned.”
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Two other trainers had to pull the bear away from her as she struggled to break free Credit: The Siberian Times 4
Circus' with performing animal shave been blasted as "cruel" Credit: The Siberian Times