Sixteen-year-old Yashka, a 600lb Russian bear, snapped during a performance with the Anshlag travelling circus in Voronezh. What began as a routine act—carting a wheelbarrow—quickly turned violent as Yashka attacked his handler, Ruslan Solodyuk. Despite efforts from circus workers, including kicking and using an electric shock, Yashka continued his rampage, terrifying the audience and forcing them to flee.

Spectators were horrified by the attack, noting the lack of safety barriers between them and the bear. Some believed the attack was part of the show until it escalated. Solodyuk later claimed Yashka’s aggression was due to joint pain and old age, while the circus manager suggested spectators provoked the bear by ignoring requests to turn off flash photography.

Bears have long been a staple in Russian circuses, despite their wild nature and mistreatment. This incident sheds light on the risks involved in exploiting such powerful animals for entertainment.