Bear spotted in motorcycle sidecar - and he looks really happy about it

Bear spotted in motorcycle sidecar - and he looks really happy about it

Mangalore Today News Network

June 12, 2017: A bizarre video has emerged of a huge brown bear sitting in the sidecar of a motorbike – and he looks like a seasoned rider.

The clip – reportedly filmed in the city of Syktyvkar in Russia’s Komi Republic – shows the giant predator happily playing the role of pillion.

Eyewitnesses were reportedly left gobsmacked at the unusual sight, with many of posting footage of it on social media.

The bear even seems positively happy in the sidecar , which is attached to the Russian-made IMZ-Ural motorcycle.

Nicholas Pasynkov, who captured some footage explained he was “driving Saturday in Syktyvkar when he spotted the large bruin calmly riding in a motorcycle sidecar that had been designed to resemble the face of a wolf.”

It was later revealed to have been a charity PR stunt by local biker club, the Polar Wolves, and a visiting circus to raise money for a children’s psychoneurological clinic in the city.

The circus reportedly provided the 22-year-old bear, which was decided to have the ideal temperament for the role as it has spent its entire life performing.

The man behind the handlebars was apparently the bear’s trainer.

Various clips of the biker bear have since gone viral after being widely shared on social media.

One person wrote: "Good job, bikers. You made local residents and especially kids smile and this is all that matters. I wish this region had more happy and positive moments like that."

Another said: "Kudos bikers."

But animal rights campaigners have previously slammed stunts like this.

Charities say the animals are unsuited to public performances and are often tortured to subdue them so they will do circus tricks.