Smartphone saved tourist from bear

An incident occurred at the eco-tourism site "Malyy Yamantau" in Bashkortostan, where a tourist was attacked by a bear waking up from hibernation. The animal is believed to have been enraged upon awakening. The man grabbed and tore off a ball that gave off firepower but sustained serious injuries requiring stitches on his arm and thigh.

The crucial moment happened when the bear tried to tear apart a smartphone held in the tourist's hand. According to eyewitnesses, the device could not be pierced "by itself" and helped prevent further attack.

Local authorities urged tourists to follow environmental guidelines and keep a safe distance from wild animals.

Context

Bear incidents in Russia are periodically reported, but cases of survival aided by electronic devices are quite rare.