A confrontation over illegal bird hunting in central Đà Lạt has escalated into a police investigation after a man assaulted a journalist who tried to document the activity. According to Tuổi Trẻ, Xuân Hương Ward Police questioned B.V.Đ., a 30-year-old worker from Thanh Hóa province, on March 23rd regarding the incident.
The altercation occurred on the morning of March 22nd along Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, one of Đà Lạt's busiest thoroughfares that connects the city center to Xuân Hương Lake. As any local knows, this area sees constant foot traffic from both residents and tourists exploring our flower city.
N.K.L., a correspondent for a local Lâm Đồng media outlet, was passing through the area when he spotted the man using a slingshot to hunt birds in broad daylight. Recognizing both the public safety risk and the damage such behavior could cause to Đà Lạt's tourism image, the journalist began recording the incident on his phone while asking the man to stop.
The situation quickly turned violent when the hunter "rushed over, grabbed the phone, demanded the images be deleted, and assaulted" the journalist, according to police reports. Bystanders intervened to break up the fight and contacted authorities.
This incident highlights a concerning trend that locals have observed. Both residents and journalist N.K.L. have reported that "spontaneous bird hunting around Xuân Hương Lake and central Đà Lạt streets has occurred multiple times since early 2025," according to the police statement.
For those of us who call Đà Lạt home, seeing someone hunt wildlife in our peaceful city center is particularly jarring. The area around Xuân Hương Lake has always been a sanctuary where families stroll and visitors admire our natural beauty.
Xuân Hương Ward Police have confirmed they're processing the case "according to legal regulations," though specific charges haven't been announced. The investigation underscores local authorities' commitment to protecting both Đà Lạt's wildlife and the journalists who help keep our community informed.
Xuân Hương Ward Police confirmed:
Local reports indicate:
This case represents enforcement efforts to protect Đà Lạt's urban wildlife and maintain the city's reputation as a peaceful tourism destination.