Bears in Korea

Ever wonder how many wild Moon Bears there are in Korea?  According to Gina Moon, there are 19. 

Currently, there are only 19 moon bears living in the ‘wild’ in Korea -  on a reserve at Jiri Mountain – in constant danger from poachers. In contrast to the low number in the wild, it is estimated that there are over 1,600 moon bears on about 100 farms to meet the needs of those who believe, for example, that a bear’s gall bladder cures human liver problems – bear parts can be found in many oriental medicine shops in Korea. It is reported that a bear gall bladder sells for around US$20,000 which makes bear farming a very lucrative trade for those involved in it – farmers, middle-men, etc.

You can read her interesting article at Korea4expats.

Metropolitician has his own posting about bears – but it is nothing to do with Gina Moon’s bears….his seems to be more of a posting of karma and revenge.  I won’t give the name of his posting but you can read it here.