The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR) distributed public safety guidelines and a “Large-billed Crow Ecology and Management Manual” to local governments nationwide on May 20 in preparation for an expected increase in attacks by large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) between May and July.

The large-billed crow, a resident bird species known for its high intelligence and adaptability, has increasingly been observed nesting in urban areas. Each May, fledglings that are not yet fully capable of flight leave their nests and remain near the ground. During this period, parent birds often perceive people approaching their nests or chicks as threats and exhibit aggressive defensive behavior, including swooping toward the head and neck.

To prepare for potential attacks by large-billed crows, the public is advised to follow preventive safety measures, including using protective items such as umbrellas or hats, avoiding areas marked with nest warning signs, avoiding direct eye contact with the birds, avoiding leaving food exposed, and quickly passing through high-risk areas.

People are also strongly advised not to feed the birds, touch nests or chicks, engage in threatening behavior such as waving sticks or arms or throwing objects, use poison or poisoned bait, or attempt unauthorized capture.

If attacked by a large-billed crow, individuals should first move to a safe location and report the incident to the 119 Safety Center or the local government’s environmental department. If injured, they should seek first aid at a nearby medical facility.

When reporting incidents to local governments, providing specific information—including the location of nests or chicks, the site of the incident, and details of the attack—can help prevent additional harm.

Meanwhile, the “Large-billed Crow Ecology and Management Manual,” distributed by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment to support local governments’ on-site response efforts, includes information on the species’ ecological characteristics, types of damage, management strategies, public safety guidelines, and complaint-handling procedures.

In addition, NIBR plans to collaborate with a research team at Seoul National University to collect habitat data on large-billed crows in the Seoul metropolitan area and conduct a comprehensive analysis of the distribution of urban crow populations and the causes of aggressive behavior in order to develop additional preventive measures.

The Director General of the Nature Conservation Bureau at the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment stated, “To reduce damage caused by recurring large-billed crow attacks, it is essential that the public follow safety guidelines and that on-site management be strengthened. We will continue to seek science-based response measures to ensure public safety and promote coexistence with wildlife.”