"In the Car, Feeling Disoriented" ... A Man in His 60s Encounters a Half-Moon Bear While Picking Mushrooms

While Picking Mushrooms, Hit a Rock While Trying to Avoid a Bear

A man in his 60s who was picking mushrooms in the forest of Jirisan was injured after encountering a wild bear and hastily fleeing.

On the 12th, Yonhap News reported, citing the Suncheon Fire Station, that at around 10:15 a.m. that day, a report was received from a parking lot in Gurye-eup, Gurye-gun, stating, "I am inside the car, but my consciousness is unclear." Mr. A (60) sustained a facial laceration and was transported to a hospital by the responding fire authorities. Fortunately, his life is not in danger.

Asian black bear Photo by Yonhap News

Mr. A said that he encountered a bear while picking mushrooms in the forest near Munsusa Temple in Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do, and was injured after hitting a rock while fleeing in haste.

The bear Mr. A encountered is presumed to be an Asiatic black bear (moon bear) inhabiting Jirisan. Since a very small number of Asiatic black bears were confirmed to inhabit Jirisan in 2000, a restoration project has been underway to breed and release them into Jirisan, increasing their population. According to the Jirisan National Park Gyeongnam Office in June, there are currently 85 Asiatic black bears living in the Jirisan area, plus 4 cubs born this year, totaling 89 bears.

These bears usually move between Jirisan and the adjacent Deogyusan area. Due to their cautious nature, they prefer deep forests and rarely encounter visitors. However, from June to August, which is their mating season, their activity range expands, increasing the slight chance of being seen by people.

A Suncheon Fire Station official stated, "This incident is presumed to have occurred because the bears' movement range expands during the mating season." He added, "Bears usually run away first when they encounter people." He further advised, "Although the chance of encountering a bear on hiking trails is very low, you may meet one if you enter remote forests. To avoid encounters, use designated trails, and if you meet a bear, avoid provoking it as it is dangerous. It is best to lie down and remain still."

Earlier, on May 23, an Asiatic black bear was spotted on the hiking trail section between Yeonhacheon and Byeoksoryeong in Jirisan. However, the bear was merely passing near the trail during its movement and did not intentionally approach hikers. Upon seeing people, it turned its back and left in the opposite direction.

There have been no reported attacks by Asiatic black bears in Korea. When encountering an Asiatic black bear during a hike, avoid actions that may provoke it, such as taking photos or feeding it. If the bear is seen from a distance, quietly leave the area. If it is close, do not turn your back or avoid eye contact; instead, back away slowly. Running away with your back turned may trigger the bear's instinct to chase and catch you, as it perceives you as weaker. If the bear approaches too closely to escape, threatening it with a stick or other available tools is the best option. Playing dead, as commonly believed, is more dangerous. Bears are curious animals and may bite or kick a person lying down.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.