A mother was forced to shield her terrified son’s face from a hungry black bear who interrupted their birthday picnic in a park.

The animal leapt onto Silvia Macias’s table during their trip to celebrate the 15th birthday of her son, Santiago, who has Down’s syndrome.

Ms Macias is seen bravely shielding her son as the bear eats their lunch just inches from their faces. She kept her eyes downcast, to avoid anything the bear might consider a challenge.

After eating, the bear jumped down from the picnic table and headed back towards some trees.