Video shows California black bear grabbing teenage boy's leg in Mammoth

Kimberly Mendoza, 17, was walking in the woods near Lake George in Mammoth with an unnamed friend when they spotted a black bear, according to SWNS.

The two men tried to get away from the bear, but their path was blocked by fallen tree branches and the couple did not want to turn their backs on the bear.

A video taken by Mendoza shows the bear approaching the couple and pawing at his friend. The bear turns and leaves the couple after the friend rips off his paw.

The video has been viewed more than 4.4 million times on TikTok since it was posted in late July.

What to do if you encounter a black bear

According to the National Parks Service, bear attacks are rare because bears that approach people are primarily interested in protecting their food, cubs or space.