Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Exploding Smartphone Scares Bear Away From Teenager in Russia
A 15-year-old boy was outside with a friend in Russia when a bear attacked him.
The boy tried to climb a tree, but the bear pulled him down.
A witness said the bear bit the phone in the boy’s pocket.
The phone’s battery reportedly caught fire and exploded.
The sudden blast startled the bear, and it ran away.
The boy was badly hurt and also burned.
He was taken to a hospital and later flown to Moscow for specialized surgery.
Officials said wildfires may have pushed the bear closer to places where people live, and they were looking for it.
A 15-year-old boy was mauled by a bear in Russia’s Altai region while outdoors with a friend.
A witness said the bear dragged the boy from a tree and attacked him.
The bear bit the phone in the boy’s pocket; the phone’s battery reportedly caught fire and exploded, startling the animal into fleeing.
The boy suffered serious injuries and burns, was taken to hospital in critical condition, and was later flown to Moscow for specialized surgery.
Wildlife officials said wildfires may have brought the bear closer to settlements, and authorities were searching for it.
- Who
- A 15-year-old boy, his companion, a witness, and local wildlife officials.
- What
- A bear attacked the boy; his phone reportedly caught fire and exploded, startling the bear into fleeing.
- When
- The article does not give a date.
- Where
- Near the village of Solton in Russia’s Altai region; the boy was later flown to Moscow.
- Why
- Officials said severe wildfires may have pushed the bear closer to human settlements.
- Boy’s age
- 15
- Attack location
- Around 12 miles from the village of Solton, in Russia’s Altai region
- Reported trigger for the bear fleeing
- The boy’s phone battery reportedly caught fire and exploded after the bear bit the phone
- Initial condition
- Critical, with injuries to his head, scalp, facial bones, neck, chest, and lower body, as well as burns
- Further treatment
- He was flown to Moscow for specialized surgeries
- Official response
- Authorities were searching for the bear
- Possible cause of bear proximity
- Officials said severe wildfires may have pushed it closer to settlements