(CNN) An endangered Asiatic black bear has been caught on camera in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that divides North and South Korea.

A photo of the bear -- which is classed as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List -- was captured in the eastern area of the DMZ by an unmanned ecological study camera in October last year, the South Korean Ministry of Environment said in a press release Thursday.

The DMZ between North and South Korea is one of the most heavily armed borders -- but it's also become an unintended refuge for endangered species due to the restrictions in entering the area.

The endangered Asiatic black bear, caught on camera in the demilitarized zone.

According to the press release, soldiers in the DMZ had claimed to have seen the bear in the past, but this was the first time a clear image of the bear had been captured in the area.

The bear snapped in the picture appears to between eight and nine months old, and weighs between 25 and 35 kilograms (55 to 77 pounds). Because it's a young bear, authorities said it was likely there were at least three bears in the area, including its parents.

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