The population of wild Asiatic black bears in Jirisan National Park is expected to surpass 100 this spring, a major milestone in South Korea’s conservation efforts. But with fewer than half of the bears equipped with tracking devices, experts are calling for stronger safety measures as they emerge from hibernation.
According to the Ministry of Environment, 93 Asiatic black bears currently inhabit Jirisan and nearby Deogyusan National Park—90 in Jirisan and three in Deogyusan. Of these, 54 bears, or 58%, lack tracking devices, leaving the whereabouts of nearly six in 10 unknown.
Among the bears that are tracked, two briefly emerged from hibernation before returning to sleep. Asiatic black bears typically hibernate in dens but wake periodically due to environmental changes. Female bears often give birth during hibernation, nursing their cubs while continuing to rest. Experts believe the two active bears may have recently given birth, as females usually deliver one or two cubs at a time.
South Korea launched its Asiatic black bear restoration project in 2004, initially aiming for a population of 50 by 2020. That goal was exceeded in 2018 when the population reached 56. Ecologists estimate that Jirisan can support a stable population of 64 bears, with a maximum carrying capacity of 78. As numbers surpass this threshold, bears have expanded their range into Deogyusan and Gayasan National Parks.
The government closely monitored the first two generations of bears reintroduced into the wild, which were raised in captivity before their release. But third- and fourth-generation bears born in the wild are becoming increasingly difficult to track. As the population grows, the Ministry of Environment has shifted its focus from reproduction to habitat management, monitoring the bears' territorial expansion rather than intervening in breeding. Officials are also considering halting the public disclosure of bear population figures.
A ministry study found that bears came within 20 meters of hiking trails in just 0.8% of cases, within 200 meters in 9.8% of cases, and stayed over 500 meters away 89% of the time. The likelihood of a hiker encountering a bear is estimated at less than 1%. Still, with the population expanding rapidly, experts emphasize the need for continued management to ensure the safety of both bears and humans. Authorities are being urged to implement tracking and safety measures before the bears enter their mating season in May.
