Local media and residents say a brown bear attacked and severely attacked a Russian man in a forest about 125 kilometers (78 miles) from Moscow as witnesses are increasingly frequent in areas around the capital.

The man apparently survived by playing the role of death, selling elk and Deer’s antlers last week when the bear attacked him from behind.

“It started biting his skull, and then (he) turned around and started eating his face,” said the victim’s relative. “Somehow, (he) pretended to be dead and the bear left him alone.”

Russian media said the injured man called emergency services and waited for several hours while emergency personnel searched for him on foot in the forest near the village of Yeremeevo. He was then taken to the hospital by a helicopter.

Hunting of bears is allowed in most parts of Russia, but it is banned in the Moscow region.

Some Russians go out in the forest to collect antlers, and one pair can sell up to 15,000 rubles ($178), which accounts for about two-thirds of Russia’s lowest monthly salary.