Taiwanese Police Chief Offers Humorous Safety Tips for Jiamei Lake Hikers, Especially Regarding Bears

Hu Song-jun-ren, the police chief of Lidao Station in Taiwan, is gaining attention for his unique and humorous approach to hiker safety, particularly for those venturing to the popular Jiamei Lake, often called the "Tear of the Angel."

With the summer season drawing many first-time hikers to the area, Chief Hu, who is deeply familiar with the local mountains and wildlife, uses witty advice to convey crucial safety information. He humorously warns hikers against immediately reaching for their phones when encountering a black bear. Instead, he advises them to "protect yourself first" and to "take beautiful scenery, but don't photograph yourself as a lost hiker." He also stresses the importance of saving energy for the descent, reminding them that "you need to have the strength to walk down the mountain after enjoying the beautiful scenery."

For those who do encounter a black bear, Hu emphasizes remaining calm. He instructs hikers not to panic, scream, turn, or approach the animal. The recommended course of action is to face the bear and slowly back away to create a safe distance. He also suggests using bear bells or whistles to alert the animal and encourage it to leave. In case of an emergency or sighting, hikers are urged to call emergency numbers like 112, 119, or 110 and report the incident.

Lidao Station, situated in the central mountains, typically experiences few crime-related issues. Its primary concerns involve assisting hikers and managing traffic during peak tourist seasons. Due to its location, encounters with wildlife such as yellow-throated martens and sambar deer are common. Chief Hu's extensive knowledge of the local ecosystem and wildlife has earned him a reputation among hikers as a reliable source of information, with some colleagues jokingly referring to him as the "mountain god" of the Southern Cross-Island Highway.