Chapter Text
BREAKING: Bear scare in Ottawa park—hockey player intervenes before authorities arrive
At approximately 8:42 a.m. on Tuesday, Ottawa emergency services responded to reports of a black bear entering Commissioners Park, amid it's Tulip Festival, prompting immediate evacuation of civilians in the area. Before officers arrived, professional hockey player Ilya Rozanov, who was jogging nearby, reportedly pursued the animal after his dog "broke loose" and "ran" toward it, leading to a brief chase across the park. Witnesses say the bear quickly retreated into nearby woods following the encounter, with no injuries reported. Rozanov was later found at the scene with the dog and questioned briefly by police before being released. Authorities continue to remind the public to avoid approaching wildlife and to contact emergency services in such situations.
ANCHOR:
"—and city council states the proposal will move into final review later this week."
The anchor pressed a hand briefly to his earpiece.
"Pardon the interruption. We are currently receiving breaking news out of Ottawa regarding reports of a bear entering a park area and causing multiple disturbances among visitors."
Hand touches earpiece again.
"I’m…sorry, could you repeat that?"
The control room remained silent for a moment.
"We are going to restart this segment."
[Theme music plays.]
[CTV Ottawa — BREAKING NEWS]
ANCHOR:
"Good morning. We begin with breaking news this hour after reports confirmed a black bear entered a park area earlier today, causing panic among citizens and visitors nearby.
Authorities were reportedly dispatched shortly after emergency calls began coming in. However, before officers arrived on scene, witnesses state that a local man confronted the animal directly."
Another pause as the anchor listened to his earpiece.
"We are now receiving confirmation that the individual involved has been identified as professional hockey player Ilya Rozanov. To Sarah on location."
Cut to field reporter standing near police barriers.
SARAH:
"Good morning, Ottawa. Earlier this morning, witnesses, here at Commissioners Park, reported seeing a black bear wandering near walking trails and recreational areas. Multiple parkgoers fled the scene while others contacted emergency services."
A shaky cellphone footage played silently on-screen. A bear sprinted across an open field while distant screaming echoed faintly through the recording.
SARAH (voice-over):
"According to eyewitness accounts, before authorities arrived, hockey player Ilya Rozanov reportedly pursued the animal through the park after what sources described as an attempt to distract it from nearby civilians."
Another clip appeared. Rozanov vaulted over a bench while someone in the footage yelled, “WHY IS HE [BLEEP] RUNNING TOWARD IT?”
"Witnesses further allege that physical contact occurred between Mr. Rozanov and the animal during the incident, though officials state the bear ultimately fled toward wooded areas south of the park to where they were able to catch and relocate the bear."
The screen went back to Sarah as she turned slightly to her side.
SARAH:
"And joining me now is Mr. Rozanov himself."
Camera shifts to Rozanov standing and holding a leash attached to a medium dog sitting happily beside him. Aside from slightly disheveled hair and visible sweat, he appeared almost entirely unbothered.
SARAH:
"Mr. Rozanov, thank you for speaking with us. Could you explain how exactly you became involved in this situation?"
ROZANOV:
"My husband's friends were in town and they wished to see the festival. And Anya wanted to go for a jog."
He lifted the leash slightly.
"So I stayed while my husband and his friends went to the house. Then there was screaming. Anya slipped away and so I followed. Then I saw the bear. It saw me. Sensed the Russian in me. Then challenged me. And it ran away."
SARAH:
"Several eyewitnesses described what they saw as a rather impressive fight."
ILYA:
"Not much of fight."
He shrugged.
"More of a chase."
At that exact moment, the station replayed footage of Ilya kicking at the bear and swinging fists as it tries to bite while several bystanders screamed in terror.
It goes back to Rozanov looking impassively at the reporter.
SARAH:
"...Mr. Rozanov, footage also appears to show you... punching the animal?"
ILYA:
"Again. Not much of fight. It was a small bear."
A muffled choking noise came from somewhere behind the camera.
Sarah inhaled carefully.
SARAH:
"You’ve become well known online over the years for various public incidents. Would you consider this the strangest one yet?"
ILYA:
"Mm. Not really. Maybe the-"
Vibration can be heard as he pulls out his phone and looks towards the camera with a smile.
"My husband is watching—Moya lyubov. I will be home soon. I will also pick up your gross leaves from the store."
SARAH:
"...Right. Well—other than that message, is there anything further you would like to say regarding today’s events?"
ILYA:
Yes. I will be suing McDonald’s for this incident.
SARAH:
"…could you elaborate on that statement?"
ILYA:
"As my lawyer says, do not trust a clown with money."
His phone vibrating louder but he doesn't react.
Off-camera, someone audibly whispered, “Oh my god.”
SARAH:
"Thank you for your time, Mr. Rozanov. Back to the studio."
Cuts back to anchor.
The anchor sat perfectly still for several seconds while papers shuffled faintly off-screen.
ANCHOR:
"An eventful morning indeed."
Clears throat
"We now turn to the weather—"