While scavenging for berries the animation cannot be interrupted. This is particularly a problem when you get attacked by a zombie (or other player?). As far as I know you do not take damage at that point, although the screen will turn gray with every blow, but after the animation is finished your character will stay in crouching position. This makes it difficult to run away, as it usualy takes even longer to draw your weapon, especialy under attack.

Solution, make it possible to interrupt the animation/search at any point and let your character get back to previous position (standing, or crouching).