There were incidents where citizens were bitten or injured by badgers at a park, and local governments are reportedly caught in a dilemma over whether to capture them or not?

Yes, last July, a woman in her 70s was bitten on her arms and legs by a badger at a park in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, and another woman in her 60s was injured after falling while trying to run away.

Following the accidents, the city of Jecheon installed capture traps and has caught five badgers so far, releasing them into a remote mountain forest.

The city believes that these badgers did not come from outside, but rather are native animals that originally lived in the area.

It is estimated that as the park was developed, their habitat decreased, leading to more frequent encounters with people on the walking trails.

Among residents, opinions are divided between "more should be caught for safety" and "they are animals that originally lived here, so let's stop catching them now."

In addition, some residents expressed that since badgers prey on snakes and pests, simply capturing them unconditionally is regrettable.

(Source: Jecheon City, Jecheon Fire Station)