A videograb shows a bear attacking the woman.

Gulf Today Report

An accident nearly turned a circus show in the Russian province of Oryol into a tragedy, after a circus bear attacked a woman who works as a tamer's assistant.

According to local media, the bear appeared calm at first, before suddenly turning aggressive and attacking the woman in front of hundreds of spectators and screaming children.

The incident took place during an act in the ring involving bears and two trainers.

Tamers working in the circus rushed to rescue the pregnant woman and took her to the hospital.

Video showed the woman wearing a bright blue dress was pinned by the predator as two men fought with the animal to rescue her.

Local media reported that trainer suffered cuts and bruises.

It was also learned that that her unborn child was not harmed.

Local media said that the bear might have attacked her because she was pregnant.