Circus bear dressed in hat and scarf attacks trainer in front of shocked audience

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 Wednesday 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.