Bear being released into wild immediately attacks rescuers

By George Mathias via SWNS

The terrifying moment a bear released into the wild by a charity turns on a ranger and attacks.

Ricky, a two-year-old brown bear - named after comedian Ricky Gervais - was hit by a vehicle in the village of Urtsadzor, Ararat Province, Armenia, on October 23.

The injured animal was taken in and treated by Urtsadzor Wildlife Rescue Center.

He was found to have a wound to his lower lip which was stitched up and had a minor leg injury.

Ricky was kept under "close observation" and soon recovered before being vaccinated and tested for rabies and other diseases.

Two weeks later he was released with a "clean bill of health."

However, upon release into the Armenian wilderness, the bear immediately lunged towards a ranger - who narrowly escaped by running onto his vehicle's trailer as the bear ran after him.

Taking part in the release was English actor Peter Egan, 78, who starred in Downton Abbey - a patron of International Animal Rescue - who named the bear after his good friend Ricky Gervais.

Peter said: "It was exhilarating to see the bear bounding back to freedom.”

Before Ricky was set free, members of the rescue team returned to the safety of their vehicles, leaving one ranger to open the transport crate.

Thanks to careful planning, when the bear turned towards the ranger the man was able to climb into the pick-up truck which sped off with the bear hot on its heels.

Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue, said: “There was careful preparation among the rangers before the crate was opened.

"When you release a wild animal, particularly one as large and aggressive as a bear, you can’t be too careful about people’s safety.

"In the case of Ricky’s release, the rangers discussed the best way to open the crate and stay out of his way and they decided to have the truck ready to move off should the bear come too close for comfort – which he definitely did."

Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets vet Harutyun Hovhannisyan - who treated Ricky - said: “When he was first brought into the center he seemed disorientated and we kept him under close observation in case he might show signs of neurological damage but in fact he soon recovered.

“As a wild bear, he is naturally fearful of humans and whenever anyone approached the quarantine quarters where he was housed he would either cower in fear or launch himself at the bars.

"That’s what you want in a wild bear.

"The more they steer clear of human interaction the better.”

Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue, said: "We’re delighted that Peter has chosen the name Ricky for the bear.

"Peter is a wonderful patron and has kindly put in a good word for us with Ricky on a number of occasions, leading him to support our work very generously.

"We’re hugely grateful to both Ricky and Peter for promoting and supporting our lifesaving work."