Local authorities in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, have launched an operation to capture a wild animal suspected of being a raccoon or badger after a series of attacks on citizens at a local park.

According to fire authorities on Friday (July 31), a citizen identified as A was attacked by a suspected wild raccoon while taking a walk at Jecheon Civic Park at 8:51 p.m. the previous day.

A, a woman in her 70s, sustained hand injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment, while another woman in her 60s who was nearby fell in shock and was also taken to the hospital.

The wild animal had already fled by the time fire authorities arrived at the scene.

Reports of animals suspected to be raccoons or badgers have been coming in continuously from this park for the past two weeks. It was also confirmed that on July 16, a citizen was bitten by an animal suspected to be a badger at the same park.

A city official stated, "Based on the reports gathered, we believe the wild animal showed aggression while trying to protect its young," adding, "We have installed capture traps in the park to catch the animal."

(Photo provided by Jecheon Fire Station, Yonhap News)