DRAMATIC photos show the moment a mother bear fought off a predator to protect her terrified cubs.
Photographer Denis Budkov, 36, captured a male bear approaching the mum just before she unleashed a ferocious attack on him.
The mother bear launches a ferocious attack on the male predatorCredit: Caters News Agency
She lashed out at the male as he approached her cubsCredit: Caters News Agency
The cubs, clearly terrified, looked on helplessly as their mother savaged the attacker.
The images were taken in Kronotsky Nature Reserve in eastern Russia.
Denis said: “The bears are pretty friendly there as they are used to people already.
“They understand that people won’t do any harm to them.
The terrified cubs cling to a fallen tree, terrified as the male bear approachesCredit: Caters News Agency
Photographer Denis Budkov, 36, captured the incredible momentCredit: Caters News Agency
The mother bear protects her cubsCredit: Caters News Agency
She lunges at the male bearCredit: Caters News Agency
The attack continues, the mother clearly winning the fightCredit: Caters News Agency
She forces him to the groundCredit: Caters News Agency
As the cubs watch on, helplessCredit: Caters News Agency