Sightings of untamed canines round Seoul Nationwide College (SNU) in Gwanak District have raised security issues amongst college students, prompting them to share recommendation on-line on find out how to reply in the event that they encounter the animals.
Based on the Gwanak District Workplace, a complete of 63 wild canines have been captured within the district between January and October this yr — already surpassing final yr’s 56 and 46 in 2023. On Oct. 27, six canines had been seen roaming close to SNU dormitories earlier than consultants from the district workplace arrived and tranquilized them.
Wild canines have lengthy been sighted on Mount Gwanak, which borders the SNU campus. Their inhabitants, sustained by means of pure breeding, is estimated at round 30. On account of ongoing security issues, SNU has put in traps in 9 high-risk areas, together with dormitories and college buildings, since 2017.
Gwanak District has additionally operated a five-member seize crew of wildlife consultants and veterinarians since 2022. Captured animals are despatched to an animal safety heart for adoption procedures, although these not adopted face euthanasia. All six canines captured final month reportedly have potential adopters.
Amongst college students, rising unease has led to the circulation of security recommendations on what to do when encountering wild canines. Posts shared on social media platforms steadily utilized by Seoul Nationwide College college students advise, “Drop any meals you’re holding,” and “Don’t look again after passing by a wild canine.”
Whereas assaults on people are uncommon, district officers nonetheless urge warning. “Wild canines seldom assault folks, however they will threaten pet canines,” an official mentioned. “We advise in opposition to feeding them or approaching the realm at night time.”
This text from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Instances, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Instances.
