The Justin Bieber song “Baby” scared away a bear attacking a Russian fisherman, thus saving his life. The man was being mauled by the big predator when his phone reportedly began ringing and the Bieber song started to play. Apparently, the startled bear was not a fan and ran away.

The Russian fisherman bear attack story has become international news, prompting some clever headlines primarily poking fun of the beleaguered teeny bopper singer. The Daily Mail “Finally, proof that Justin Bieber IS unbearable” headline stands above one of the most viewed articles about the Justin Bieber song scaring away a bear. Many social media posters are shocked that not only a grown man is a Bieber fan, or a “Belieber” but was so enamored with the often arrested teen that “Baby” was chosen for a ring tone on his cell phone.

Igor Vorozhbitsyn wholeheartedly credits Justin Bieber’s “Baby” with saving his life during the potentially fatal attack by a brown bear. The 42-year-old Russian fisherman was walking to his favorite fishing spot in the Yakutia Republic in Northern Russia when the bear attack occurred.

Wildlife experts largely feel that the ringtone startled the bear because a “sharp shock” can sometimes stop even a very angry bear in its tracks. One wildlife expert said hearing the “Baby” ringtone would be a very “unexpected sound” for a bear. By following that logic, we would not necessarily have to subject ourselves to hearing Justin Bieber every time someone dials our number. Any song with perhaps a lively beat could startle a bear – just because one Russian bear is afraid of Bieber does not mean all his brethren would feel the same way about the teen singer who so often adorns the covers of tabloids.

Igor Vorozhbitsyn suffered severe cuts and bruises to his chest and face during the bear attack. The Russian fisherman was found and ultimately rescued by other anglers after using his cell phone to call for help.

“I had parked my car and was walking towards the spot I’d marked out when there was a tremendous impact on my back and the bear was on top of me. I couldn’t believe my luck when the phone went off and he fled. I know that sort of ringtone isn’t to everyone’s taste but my granddaughter loaded it into my phone for a joke.”

The granddaughter explanation typically prompts a smile and a “now I get it” response from folks who read about the bear attack. Even though the Russian fisherman may not truly be a Justin Bieber fan, the fateful phone call and the blaring “Baby” song thankfully stopped the massive brown bear known to make short work of wolves and even Siberian tigers, from killing the Russian fisherman – and loving grandfather.

Would make a Justin Bieber song your ringtone to help ward off wild animals?

[Featured Image Via: Shutterstock and secondary image via CEN]