Chinese man's complaint after bear attack falls on deaf ears

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A Chinese man was bitten by a bear last Friday while trying to feed the animal at Beijing’s Badaling Safari Park.

The same park was in the spotlight for similar reasons last year after two women were attacked by a tiger.

The big bite

The man surnamed Chen, and his friend drove through the tiger zone before approaching the bears where the animals were surrounding cars looking for food.

Photo via Beijing Evening News Weibo

“Two bears came close to us,” Chen told the media, admitting that he decided to feed the animals through the window despite being warned not to do so.

He said he felt encouraged to do so as other drivers had done the same and nothing had happened.

As one bear took the snack from Chen, the other tried to get its head into the car.

Chen and his friend tried to close the car window but a safety function meant it wouldn't close all the way if obstructed.

The bear was able to force the window down and bite Chen on the arm.

Photo via Beijing Evening News Weibo

“It hurt like hell," he said, "I shook free and sped off. I saw it running after us."

Getting the cold shoulder from park authorities

However, there was another surprise in store for Chen when reported the incident to the park authorities.

“I admitted it was my fault opening the window. But when I turned to the park staff for help, I was told to go to hospital by myself. I was bitterly disappointed,” he said.

Chen received first aid, while park staff said they couldn't advise him which hospital he should go to for treatment and suggested he try the local Yanqing Hospital.

Chen decided to return to downtown. He visited several hospitals but none of them had experience of treating a bear bite. .

CFP Photo

Unsatisfactory complaint replied

Chen said he hoped his wrongdoing would alert others to paying attention to safety in safari parks.

However, he said he was unsatisfied with the nonchalance of the park staff and the lack of emergency treatment.

Photo via Beijing Evening News Weibo‍

Chen was later contacted by the safari park manager, a man named Guo.

Guo confirmed to the media that ahead of entering the park, visitors are all instructed not to feed wild animals in the predator zone and that this warning is printed all over the park.

He was also able to confirm with surveillance camera footage that park staff twice drove the bears away from Chen's car after it was attacked.

Guo said the park does have an emergency response plan and the staff handling of the situation was in line with procedure.

Online backlash against rule-breakers

Public opinion online has shown Chen even less sympathy than the park authorities.

“What do you want them to do for you? Guard you with a rifle and shoot the bear once you feed them?” asked the user @Sheshouzuo0Heizai on Weibo.

CFP Photo

Chen's story has sparked concern online that repeated instances of people attacked - or even killed - does not seem to be sufficient deterrent for people in China to observe the rules.

“There’s nothing more ice cold than rules,” noted Chinese writer Ban Ma.

“Rules are stone hard and relentless. If you go against rules, they bite worse than a tiger but if you abide by them, they become your most solid corselet and warmest coat.”