Two injured in raccoon attack at South Korean park

A wild animal, suspected to be a raccoon, attacked two elderly women in a park in Jecheon, South Korea, prompting authorities to launch a capture operation. The incident occurred around 8:51 p.m. on the previous day when a woman in her 70s, who was walking in Cheongjeon-dong Citizen's Park, was attacked on her hand. A woman in her 60s, who was with her, fell and injured her shoulder while trying to escape.

Park officials noted that reports of sightings of an animal, believed to be a raccoon or badger, exhibiting aggressive behavior have been frequent over the past two weeks. "Wild animals like raccoons can show aggression when protecting their young," a city official stated. "We have installed traps in the park to capture it."

Raccoons are generally wary animals, but their aggression can increase between April and September. This period coincides with when they are raising their young or when young raccoons leave their dens to establish their own territories. Experts advise the public to avoid approaching or feeding these animals. If encountered, they recommend maintaining a safe distance and pretending not to see them to avoid provoking an attack.

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Wild animals like raccoons can show aggression when protecting their young. We have installed traps in the park to capture it.