In Russia, it is apparently quite common for bears to be taught how to ice skate, even play ice hockey, in the many circuses. It is also not unknown for things to go wrong, as was the case when the prestigious Russia state circus visited Bishkek. That’s the capital of the easily pronouncable Kyrgyzstan if anyone wants to know.
On this occasion, the ice skating bear was in rehearsals for the big show when he decided to go for the circus director. The bear dragged the director across the ice, severing one of his legs before finally giving up. The director, 25 year old Dmitry Potapov, died from his injuries.
Another circus employee who tried to help the director was also mauled, suffering serious injuries. The bear was subsequently shot by police officers.
It is unknown what caused the bear to attack the director.