Tragedy in Hualien: Formosan Black Bear Euthanized After Confrontation with Conservationists

A Formosan black bear, part of a tracking program, was shot and later euthanized after aggressive behavior in Hualien County, highlighting human-wildlife conflict in Taiwan.

Taipei, April 22 – In a deeply regrettable incident, Taiwan's Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) was forced to euthanize a Formosan black bear in Hualien County on Monday evening. The bear, identified as YNP-BB02, was part of a research and tracking program initiated by the Yushan National Park Headquarters.

The encounter occurred after the bear, which had been exhibiting predatory behavior, charged towards FANCA personnel who were conducting a patrol in Zhuoxi Village (Panital). The animal had previously been reported attacking dogs and raiding poultry in the area over a ten-day period, causing alarm among residents.

According to FANCA, the bear's aggressive behavior prompted an officer to fire a single shot. The wounded animal collapsed and was later transported to an animal hospital. Despite the efforts of veterinarians, the bear suffered severe injuries, including spinal fractures, a collapsed lung, and internal bleeding, ultimately leading to its euthanasia.

FANCA, a branch of Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), confirmed that the shooting was conducted in accordance with Taiwan's Wildlife Conservation Act, citing the necessity to protect human life. Prior to the incident, FANCA and the Yushan National Park Headquarters had coordinated plans to capture the bear, while night patrols involving FANCA and local residents were also implemented for public safety.

Following the shooting, a 28-person response team comprised of FANCA, Yushan National Park Headquarters staff, and representatives from civil society wildlife conservation groups, assisted at the scene. The bear's carcass will undergo a full necropsy at the MOA's Veterinary Research Institute.

The incident underscores the growing human-wildlife conflict in rural Taiwan. In respect of the Indigenous Bunun community's traditions, a purification ritual will be held in Zhongzheng Village (Sinkan), which FANCA plans to attend. FANCA expressed "deep regret" over the loss of the bear and stated that lessons learned from this event will inform future conservation strategies.