TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two Formosan black bears were sighted Sunday along a busy stretch of Provincial Highway 9 in Hualien, marking the first recorded instance of the species appearing in a high-traffic area, according to the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency.
FANCA noted the sighting occurred at an elevation of just 119 meters above sea level, CNA reported. The elevation is far from the native species’ primary distribution between 1,000 and 2,500 m in mid-elevation forests, per Yushan National Park.
The Formosan black bear is primarily located within national parks and surrounding protected areas, though it has been found in mountain areas ranging from 300 m to 3,700 m above sea level. This rare event suggests that Formosan black bears may be expanding their range into areas with significant human and vehicle activity.
The sighting has prompted increased attention from conservation authorities. The Formosan black bear is listed as an endangered species by FANCA, with an estimated 200 to 800 bears in Taiwan.
A driver surnamed Pan (潘) initially spotted a young black bear running along the roadside in a construction zone. Shortly after, the cub crossed the road and joined a larger bear before both disappeared into the Xiuguluan River riverbed.
FANCA officials confirmed the young bear's presence after viewing Pan's dashboard camera footage. Footage of the bears leaving was no longer available due to storage limitations.
Based on Pan’s account, authorities believe the sighting involved a mother bear and her cub moving through the area at night. A field investigation conducted Monday uncovered black bear footprints and droppings at the site.
In response, FANCA has instructed local construction crews to remain alert. They were asked to implement stricter waste management measures, including proper disposal of food scraps and garbage.
Primarily a plant-eater, with a strong preference for oak tree fruits, the Formosan black bear is omnivorous. It generally avoids human contact and there are no records of black bear attacks on humans in Taiwan, according to The Reporter.
Taiwan Black Bear Conservation Association Project Manager Kuo Yen-jen (郭彥仁) explained that these bears are highly intelligent. Once they associate humans with food, they will likely return to that area.
