A woman in Russia has survived after being attacked and buried alive by a bear.

Rescuers say Natalya Pasternak (55) is now fighting for her life after the incident in the Amur region.

It is believed the bear attacked while Ms Pasternak was walking her dog.

The Siberian Times reports a friend who was with her escaped and alerted emergency services.

The bear evidently thought the woman was dead, and went on to try and bury her.

Rescuers who rushed to the scene were also attacked by the animal. They shot and killed the four-year-old female bear.

They then noticed the woman's hand under a pile of leaves, and she was taken to hospital.

Ms Pasternak is said to be alive and conscious, though seriously injured.