Heavy Snowfall Threatens Mountain Goats in Gangwon Province: Urgent Rescue Efforts Underway

The picturesque mountains of Gangwon Province, notably Seoraksan and Odaesan, have become a challenging landscape for the region's iconic mountain goats, facing a severe threat due to recent heavy snowfall.

With snow depths averaging 30 to 40 centimeters and reaching up to 50 centimeters in some areas, mountain goats are struggling to find sustenance amidst the snowy terrain.

Recently, park personnel encountered a distressing scene near Seoraksan Mountain, where an exhausted mountain goat navigated through the snow-covered forest near the road. Quick action from the National Park staff led to the rescue and transport of the weakened animal to the Northern Center of the National Park Wildlife Conservation Center, where it received immediate medical attention.

The situation this winter has escalated dramatically compared to previous years, with 18 exhausted mountain goats rescued from Seoraksan and Odaesan mountains alone. This stark increase, from only two rescues in previous years, underscores the severity of the current conditions.

Jang Ik Han, head of the Northern Conservation Center of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, shed light on the plight of mountain goats during heavy snowfall. He explained that these creatures rely on fallen leaves and buds in rocky high mountains for sustenance. However, heavy snowfall forces them to descend to lowlands in weakened states, often leading to hypothermia and exhaustion.

Despite rescue efforts, the harsh winter has taken its toll, with eight mountain goats succumbing to their weakened state, while two have been successfully reintroduced to their natural habitat. Currently, eight mountain goats are undergoing treatment.

In light of these developments, the park authorities issue a crucial advisory to the public: refrain from approaching exhausted mountain goats on roadsides, avoid feeding them, and promptly report sightings to prevent potential road accidents.

As rescue efforts persist, urgent attention and collaboration are imperative to safeguard the well-being of Gangwon Province's cherished mountain goat population against the relentless challenges posed by severe winter conditions.

Mountain goats in Gangwon Province, including Seoraksan, are facing exhaustion due to heavy snowfall, limiting their access to food.
National Park staff has been rescuing exhausted mountain goats and providing them with first aid at the Northern Center of the National Park Wildlife Conservation Center.
The number of rescued mountain goats this winter has increased significantly compared to previous years, reaching 18 in Seoraksan and Odaesan mountains alone.
The harsh winter conditions, characterized by heavy snowfall and bitter cold, have exacerbated the situation for mountain goats, leading to a lack of food and reduced physical strength.
Jang Ik Han, head of the Northern Conservation Center of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, explains that mountain goats primarily feed on leaves and buds on the ground in rocky high mountains but struggle to find food during heavy snowfall, leading to hypothermia and exhaustion.
Eight of the rescued mountain goats have died during treatment, two have been returned to their habitat, and eight are still undergoing treatment.
The park advises against approaching exhausted mountain goats on the roadside, discourages feeding them, and encourages reporting sightings to prevent road accidents.