Crows are traditionally considered bad luck in Korea at least when seen in ones or twos.
But a massive flooding poses a bigger threat as is the case in Ulsan, South Gyeongsang Province.
Last month thousands of crows began to fly into the city known for its mild winter temperatures.
Lately it's a common sight to see crows sitting evenly spread on electric lines.
The bamboo forest near the Taehwa River that flows through Ulsan has become the perfect home for these crows having travelled thousands of miles from Central Asia and Siberia to spend the winter months where food is more abundant.
The biggest worry for residents is the possibility that any one of these crows could be a potential carrier for avian influenza since they are migratory birds.
Authorities are on high alert taking samples of the birds' excrement and warning nearby poultry farms to take precautions.
There is good reason for anyone to be worried at this point.
Experts say the city can expect 50-thousand more crows to take their winter vacations in the city by the end of this month.
The crow exodus began in 2002 and every year the numbers keep growing.
So unless these black feathered creatures find a new destination Ulsan will be the official crow capital until they begin departing on their spring journeys next March.
NOV 20, 2008
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in National News |
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Friday, SEP 03, 2010, (KST) 
