SEJONG, Oct. 30 (Korea Bizwire) – Two decades after launching an ambitious species restoration project, South Korea has succeeded in bringing its native Asiatic black bears, also known as moon bears, back from the brink of extinction. The population has grown to approximately 80 bears in the wild, marking a significant conservation milestone. These bears, which [...]
SEOUL, Oct. 18 (Korea Bizwire) – More than half of South Korea’s wild Asiatic black bears, also known as moon bears, are currently unaccounted for, according to data released by the Ministry of Environment. The report, obtained by Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Yong-woo of the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee, reveals that out of 89 [...]
SANCHEONG, Jun. 3 (Korea Bizwire) – Recent sightings of endangered Asiatic black bears along hiking trails in Jirisan National Park have sparked concerns about potential human-wildlife conflicts. However, authorities emphasize that the bears’ docile nature and wariness make such incidents highly unlikely if hikers stay on designated trails. According to the Jirisan National Park office in [...]
SEOUL, May 26 (Korea Bizwire) — Asiatic black bears at Mount Jiri, the tallest mountain in mainland South Korea, recently emerged from winter hibernation, the environment ministry said Thursday. Currently, there are 86 bears residing on the mountain, including seven cubs that were born this year. Asiatic black bears tend to avoid contact with humans. [...]
SEOUL, July 2 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean bears locked up for gall extraction will be transferred to a sanctuary in the United States. The Korean Animal Welfare Association (KAWA), an animal protection agency, held a press conference at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Wednesday announcing that an agreement had been reached with bear [...]
SEOUL, June 24 (Korea Bizwire) — About 100 Asiatic black bears, a species in danger of extinction, were found confined to cages for illegal breeding and killed for meat. Although Asiatic black bears are a species which requires special care for protection, some farms are engaged in illegal breeding and serving them for human consumption. [...]