Hikers Encounter and Are Chased by Formosan Black Bear Mother and Cub; Yushan National Park Management Office Issues Warning

Hikers reportedly encountered a Formosan black bear mother and cub near Yuli Mountain and Zhuoxi Mountain, and were chased by the bear, possibly because they were too close. The bear left after chasing them for a "short while." The Yushan National Park Management Office reminds the public that if cubs are present, the mother bear may view humans as a threat to protect her cubs. Yushan National Park is an important habitat for the Formosan black bear. The Yushan National Park Management Office of the National Park Service, Ministry of the Interior, announced on its Facebook page today that it has received multiple reports of bear sightings recently. Hikers were chased by a bear near Yuli Mountain and Zhuoxi Mountain in Zhuoxi Township, Hualien County, and it is initially judged to be a mother and cub. Bear sightings have also been reported around the Southern Cross-Island Highway in Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung. The management office stated that there are relatively few tourists in the Yuli Mountain and Zhuoxi Mountain area, and there have been records of Formosan black bear sightings in the past. It is speculated that when the tourists and the bear encountered each other unexpectedly, the distance was too close, causing the bear's threatening reaction to be stronger, and it voluntarily retreated after chasing the tourists for a short time. The tourists did not take photos or videos while running away and reported it to the Hualien Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, afterwards. The management office stated that situations where bears chase humans are relatively rare, and reminds the public that if they encounter a Formosan black bear unexpectedly, they should remain calm and leave quietly. Do not linger or take photos to avoid danger or disturbing the bear. Especially when encountering cubs, the mother bear may view humans as a threat to protect her cubs. The management office explains that when hiking in Yushan's "Bear Country," try to hike in groups and avoid hiking at dawn or dusk. It is recommended to use bear bells to avoid unexpected encounters with bears. For those hiking on the Walami Trail, bear bells can be borrowed at the Nan'an Visitor Center. If you come into direct contact with a bear, retreat calmly. If a conflict occurs, you can use bear spray for self-defense. The Formosan black bear is an omnivorous opportunist with a keen sense of smell. When entering the mountains, please handle food, kitchen waste, and trash properly and be sure to take them down the mountain.