Kelly Frances's Page

(Seoul, June 9, 2009) – An Asiatic Black Bear escaped from a Whacheun province bear bile farm in late September of 2007, and has since survived in the Korea wild, while Wonju District officials deliberate her fate.


The female Bear, nicknamed “Miracle”, is believed to be a Malaysian hybrid, and was deemed a potential threat to tourists and ordered to be killed on site until June 1st, 2009, when the order was retracted and Wonju Office Officials began debating the most appropriate manner in which to deal with the escapee. Citizens of Wonju argue that the bear ought to be captured and re-introduced into the Wonju wilderness after appropriate research is conducted.


There remains uncertainty regarding an ideal location for the bear as conservationists often view hybrids as dangerous to the preservation effort of pure breeds. At this time, no suitable sanctuary or rescue center exists for mixed breed bears.


“Miracle” was last seen in March 2009 and is currently believed to be wandering the Chuncheun border region. She had been feeding from farmer’s crops and is maladapted to the wild at this time. If captured, she will be returned to the farm from which she escaped.