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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Environment & Climate

Taiwanese Black Bears Spotted in Pingtung Village; Multiple Sightings Confirmed

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Taiwanese black bears have been sighted in Ampao Village, San Timen Township, Pingtung County.
  • Evidence suggests at least two bears visited the area last year and recently, primarily to forage for fruit.
  • Authorities are tracking the bears with cameras and educating residents on coexistence, urging prompt reporting of sightings.

Taiwanese black bears have been sighted in Ampao Village, San Timen Township, Pingtung County, prompting an investigation by the Forestry and Conservation Administration's Pingtung Branch. Following a report on August 4, officials, accompanied by local leaders and researchers, visited the site. They confirmed the presence of bear claw marks and fresh scat on a tree, indicating the bears were foraging for seasonal fruits.

The bears were mainly here to forage for seasonal mountain fruits.

— Forestry and Conservation AdministrationDescribing the bears' activity based on evidence found at the site.

Analysis of the tracks suggests that bears visited the area as early as last year. The recent "visit" involved more than one bear. The Forestry and Conservation Administration noted that Taiwanese black bears are increasingly venturing closer to foothills. They are urging the public to report any bear sightings immediately. To monitor the bears' movements, infrared cameras have been installed in the area.

The bears visited as early as last year, and this time, more than one bear visited.

— Forestry and Conservation AdministrationExplaining the findings regarding the frequency and number of bears sighted.

To foster a spirit of "mountain village friendliness" and encourage reporting, officials visited the village to present gifts, including bear-themed canvas bags, to residents. They also distributed bear bells, air horns, and informational pamphlets on "Human-Bear Encounters: Peace and Safety." Residents are advised to properly store outdoor food and kitchen waste to avoid attracting bears. The administration emphasized that black bears are naturally cautious and typically avoid humans, so residents need not panic.

If you discover bears in the wild, please report them immediately.

— Forestry and Conservation AdministrationUrging the public to report sightings to aid in monitoring and conservation efforts.

The presence of bears signifies a healthy mountain habitat, reflecting successful ecological restoration efforts. The administration is promoting the "Taiwan Black Bear Habitat Service Payment Demonstration Program," providing "ecological salaries" to encourage residents to protect the mountains. Visitors to mountainous areas are advised to carry bear bells or make noise to alert bears of their presence. In a distant encounter, people should remain calm, avoid sudden movements or loud noises, face the bear, and slowly back away. Sightings should be reported immediately to the 1999 citizen hotline or the Forestry and Conservation Administration's 24-hour hotline (0800-000-930) to promote harmonious coexistence.

Black bears are naturally vigilant and usually avoid humans.

— Forestry and Conservation AdministrationReassuring residents that bears typically avoid human contact.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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