Driver Guides Giant Formosan Black Bear Off Highway in Taiwan

A driver on Taiwan's Southern Cross-Island Highway had a remarkable encounter with a large Formosan black bear early on the morning of June 25, 2026. The driver, identified by the surname Wang, was traveling in the Xiama section of the highway in Haiduan Township, Taitung County, when the massive animal slowly began to cross the road.

Wang immediately applied the brakes to avoid any collision. Concerned for the bear's safety on the roadway, he exited his vehicle and shouted, urging the bear to return to the safety of the forest. He estimated the bear, an adult Formosan black bear, weighed over 90 kilograms. Wang noted that while encounters with bears are not uncommon in the mountains, this was the largest he had ever seen.

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Go back! Go back! Go back!

After successfully guiding the bear off the road and back towards the mountainside, Wang took out his phone to capture a recording of the animal disappearing into the woods. He described the encounter as a rare and profound experience, connecting it to local indigenous legends of guardian spirits residing in the mountains.

Wang expressed a hope for the safety of both humans and bears, emphasizing that locals are accustomed to sharing the mountain environment. He mentioned that this was not a mother bear with cubs, and generally, bears do not attack people unless provoked. He believes that maintaining a calm demeanor and avoiding actions that might disturb the animal are key to peaceful coexistence.

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This bear was the largest I have ever seen in my life.