Teen Mauled by Bear Despite Climbing Tree as Burning Phone Reportedly Scares Animal Away
A 15-year-old boy in Russia was left seriously injured after a bear dragged him from a tree and mauled him, with the animal reportedly retreating only after the teenager’s smartphone caught fire during the attack.
The incident occurred on Oct. 8, 2026, in the Solton district of Russia’s Altai region, where the teenager had gone into a forest with a 24-year-old companion to check beehives. According to Russia’s regional Investigative Committee, the bear damaged the phone in the boy’s back pocket, causing it to ignite and burn him before the flames apparently frightened the animal away.
The teenager was hospitalized in serious condition as authorities launched an investigation into possible negligence while search teams worked to locate the bear.
How the Bear Attack Unfolded
The teenager and his companion were in a forested area when they encountered the bear. The boy tried escaping by climbing a tree, but the bear pulled him back to the ground and attacked him, leaving multiple bites and injuries to his body and head.
The regional Investigative Committee described the role of the damaged phone in a statement, saying, “During the attack, the bear damaged the victim’s phone, which caught fire, causing a thermal burn to the minor and scaring the animal away.”
The phone’s battery reportedly ignited after the bear bit into the device. Although the fire appears to have interrupted the attack, the teenager also suffered burns in addition to his other injuries. His companion was not reported to have been hurt.
Teen Hospitalized With Serious Injuries
Emergency responders transported the boy to a hospital in Biysk, a city in Altai Krai. Regional reports said he sustained serious injuries, including injuries around his collarbone.
The teenager underwent medical treatment, including surgical care for his wounds. The precise extent of his recovery and his condition after the initial hospitalization had not been fully established in the available reports as of Oct. 10.
Search for the Bear as Negligence Probe Begins
The teenager and his companion went into the forest despite Russian regional reports said that, an emergency regime had been introduced in the Solton district because of bear activity.
The regional Investigative Committee opened a criminal case over suspected negligence. Investigators are examining the circumstances of the attack and whether officials responsible for public safety fulfilled their duties.
Authorities also deployed response teams and hunters to search for the bear, with bad weather reportedly complicating efforts. The animal’s location and the outcome of the search had not been confirmed in the available reporting by Oct. 10.
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