A woman photographing a wild silver pheasant in Changbai Mountains, Jilin, was attacked, suffering head lacerations and ear abrasions. She received tetanus vaccination and urged the public to avoid approaching or startling wildlife.

Social Context

Wildlife encounters increased 35% in China’s nature reserves since 2021 due to expanded habitat corridors and eco-tourism promotion. The Wildlife Protection Law (Art. 26) strictly forbids feeding, touching, or provoking protected species—even for photography—with fines up to 50,000 RMB.

Safety Tip

Maintain ≥5-meter distance from all wild birds; use zoom lenses instead of physical approach; if charged, stand still, raise arms slowly, and back away without turning—never run or wave objects.