Exploding Smartphone Saves Teenager from Brown Bear Attack

An exploding mobile phone drove away a brown bear, saving a teenager from a vicious mauling.

A teenager in Russia's Altai region survived a fierce brown bear attack when his mobile phone suddenly exploded directly in front of the predator. The unexpected detonation startled the animal, causing it to flee and sparing the boy from further injury. Wildlife encounters in rural wooded areas remain an unpredictable hazard for local residents.

• The locationThe incident took place in the Altai region.
• The survivalThe sudden device explosion drove the predator away.