Prachinburi residents were alarmed when a "large bear" appeared, invading a chicken coop and eating chickens openly before fleeing into the forest. There are concerns the bear may still be roaming the area. It is believed to be a sun bear.
On 7 Sep 2023, reports indicated that at around 23:00 on 6 Sep, a Facebook user posted an alert. "Pa Ball Van Racing" posted a warning to residents in Village 1, Saphan Hin Subdistrict, Na Di District, Prachinburi Province, saying: "Alert for residents of Village 1, Trok Niam and nearby areas. At 23:00, a large bear was spotted in the area. Witnesses reported it entered a chicken coop. Upon seeing the bear eating chickens, neighbors were called to help. The bear got startled and ran into the forest. It is believed the bear is still in Village 1, Saphan Hin Subdistrict, Na Di District, Prachinburi." The post also shared images of chicken carcasses left in the coop, some bitten from below with upper parts and intestines hanging, showing the damage caused.
Residents are taking precautions after the discovery of a large bear entering the area and eating chickens in local coops. Witnesses reported seeing the bear sitting and eating chickens before it was startled by people and fled into nearby forest. Residents fear the bear may still be lingering nearby and urge villagers and neighbors to be extra cautious, especially at night. They advise against approaching or attempting to capture the bear themselves and recommend promptly reporting sightings to authorities for safe handling.
A reporter contacted Mr. Natthaphon Buayim, assistant village headman of Village 1, Saphan Hin Subdistrict and the post owner, who recounted that when the rain subsided, the homeowner went to close the chicken coop. Upon entering, he heard the chickens disturbed and crowing loudly. Fortunately, the owner hadn't yet entered the coop. Using a flashlight, he spotted the bear and immediately backed out to seek help from neighbors. The young people then called Mr. Natthaphon.
He then went to the site and saw the bear sitting and eating chickens inside the coop. They all retreated, and shortly after, the bear ran out from the front of the coop and fled towards the back. A survey of the area found bear footprints entering through the fence. He initially suspects it is a sun bear weighing about 30-40 kilograms. He is currently coordinating with relevant authorities.
Mrs. Boonma U-Kaeo, 70, the homeowner who encountered the bear, showed the traces of the bear eating chickens in the coop and said she saw a bear the size of a water bucket inside. Hearing the chickens, she came down with a flashlight and saw the bear sitting and eating alone. She was so frightened she trembled and was unable to move or step back. Several chickens were in the coop; seven were eaten. She then called nearby neighbors, but none had weapons, so they shone lights, causing the bear to run away. The bear entered twice during the night, once at 2 a.m. and again at 5 a.m.
On the morning of 7 Sep 2023, Mr. Boonluan Saenkhot, head of Khao Yai National Park Division 9, along with staff, inspected the bear tracks reported by residents. They found footprints around the house measuring approximately 140 mm. Based on the footprints, the bear is likely a juvenile sun bear weighing about 25 kilograms. It is believed the bear is still in the vicinity. Authorities plan to set up steel cages to trap and remove the bear for the safety of the residents.