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Wolf Spotted After Six Days, Search Continues with Night Operations

From Hankyoreh · (21h ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A wolf named 'Neukgu', which escaped from Daejeon O-World six days ago, was spotted in a mountain near the zoo late Tuesday night but disappeared again.
  • Authorities attempted to capture the wolf using tranquilizer darts early Wednesday, but it fled, and search operations were paused during the day to allow the animal to calm down.
  • The search and capture operation is set to resume at night using thermal imaging drones, with experts assessing the wolf to be in relatively good condition despite its escape.

The escape of a two-year-old wolf, 'Neukgu', from Daejeon O-World has captivated public attention for six days, culminating in a brief sighting late Tuesday night. The wolf was spotted in a mountain area near the zoo, reigniting efforts to recapture it. However, the animal once again evaded capture, leaving authorities to strategize for a renewed pursuit.

We confirmed the wolf running back up the mountain near the entrance of the southern ring road in Munsudong, about 1.8 km from O-World, around 1:10 AM today, and tracked it with a drone.

— Daejeon City Animal Escape Response Situation RoomDescribing the sighting and initial tracking of the escaped wolf.

Early Wednesday morning, a capture attempt using tranquilizer darts proved unsuccessful as the wolf, startled by the approach, fled. Responding to the situation, the Daejeon city authorities decided to pause active pursuit during daylight hours. The rationale behind this decision is to allow the wolf to calm down and stabilize, minimizing stress and the risk of further flight. This approach prioritizes the animal's well-being while preparing for a more effective capture when conditions are optimal.

We waited for the wolf to get tired and fall asleep until dawn, observing it with a drone, and then attempted capture using a tranquilizer gun around 6 AM when the sun rose, but failed.

— Daejeon City Animal Escape Response Situation RoomExplaining the failed capture attempt and the wolf's subsequent escape.

Search operations are slated to recommence after sunset, utilizing thermal imaging drones to track Neukgu's movements in the dark. Experts on the scene have observed that the wolf, despite its ordeal, appears to retain sufficient energy to evade capture and has demonstrated agility, even leaping over a 4-5 meter retaining wall. While its stamina is noted, there is concern that prolonged exposure and potential lack of sustenance could eventually weaken it. The authorities are committed to a safe return of the wolf to the zoo, with veterinarians on standby to provide immediate care.

Neukgu still had enough stamina to notice the drone approaching and run away, and it moved nimbly, easily jumping over a 4-5 meter retaining wall.

— Choi Jin-hoAn expert from the Wildlife Association assessing the wolf's condition and agility.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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