Tragic Loss: Formosan Black Bear Cub Found Dead on Taitung Highway

Investigation Underway After Young Cub's Death; Officials Issue Safety Guidelines

A heartbreaking incident has occurred on the Southern Cross-Island Highway in Taiwan, where a Formosan black bear cub was discovered deceased on Sunday afternoon.

A cyclist made the discovery and, recognizing the potential danger, moved the cub's body to the roadside to prevent further harm before alerting the authorities. The Wulu Police Precinct was notified and confirmed the cub was lifeless.

Adding to the poignancy of the situation, an adult female Formosan black bear was observed nearby on a cliff, remaining in the vicinity for a period before leaving the area. This observation underscored the likely maternal connection to the deceased cub.

The cub, estimated to be between one and two months old, measured 56 cm in length and weighed a mere 2.6 kg. This marks the youngest recorded bear death and the first on this particular section of the highway. The cub's body has been sent to the WildOne Wildlife Hospital for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, with initial suspicions suggesting a fall from a cliff.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FNCA) officials expressed their gratitude to those who reported the incident and instructed local Indigenous tribal leaders to increase patrols to mitigate the potential for human-bear conflicts in the area.

The FNCA's Taitung Branch issued a warning regarding increased bear activity in the Wulu area. The public is strongly advised to carry bear bells or other noise-making devices when venturing into shallow mountainous regions to alert bears of their presence.

Furthermore, officials provided clear safety guidelines: if a Formosan black bear or cub is sighted, individuals should maintain a safe distance, refrain from provoking the animal, and slowly retreat along the same path they took.

All sightings of bears or trapped wildlife should be promptly reported to the 1999 hotline or the FNCA's 24-hour hotline at 0800-000 930.