Where exactly was the black bear spotted on the Central Cross-Island Highway detour?

Near Zhile Creek on Provincial Highway 8 Lin 37, close to the Lishan area, which is normally access-restricted.

Why are black bears appearing in this area?

This region is part of their natural habitat, with minimal human disturbance and well-preserved forest ecosystems.

What precautions should travelers take when passing through?

Carry bear spray, bear bells, avoid littering, and never approach or feed wildlife.

Is this road open to the general public?

No. Access is limited to Lishan residents, authorized personnel, buses, and emergency vehicles.

What should I do if I encounter a black bear?

Remain calm, face the bear, back away slowly, and never run or shout.

Black Bear Sighted Near Zhile Creek on Central Cross-Island Highway Detour – Travelers Urged to Stay Alert

Published Jun 15, 2026 6:30 PM ・ Updated Jun 27, 2026 8:06 PM ・ 3 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

The Taichung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency reported a black bear sighting near Zhile Creek along the Central Cross-Island Highway Detour (Provincial Highway 8 Lin 37) in early June. The public is advised to remain vigilant to prevent human-bear conflicts.

Central News Agency Report

(Taichung, June 15 – Reporter Chao Li-Yen) The Taichung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency announced today that it received a report in early June of a black bear sighting near Zhile Creek along Provincial Highway 8 Lin 37, the Central Cross-Island Highway detour. The agency is urging travelers using this route to remain alert for wildlife activity and avoid human-bear conflicts.

The Taichung Branch posted on its official Facebook page that construction personnel from Taipower’s Dajia River Power Plant reported seeing a black bear while working near Zhile Creek adjacent to the detour route in early June.

This section of the road is managed by the Central Maintenance Engineering Division of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Highway Bureau. Under normal circumstances, access is restricted to residents of the Lishan area, authorized construction personnel, public buses, and emergency vehicles. Due to limited human disturbance, the area has long been within the natural habitat range of black bears. Authorities are reminding travelers to remain cautious and aware of potential wildlife presence.

The Taichung Branch advises the public that when entering mountainous areas, they should travel in groups whenever possible and carry bear deterrent spray, bear bells, or noise-making devices. Visitors should follow the 'Leave No Trace' principles, properly manage food waste, and avoid littering or discarding kitchen scraps. If encountering a black bear, people should not approach, startle, or chase it. Instead, they should calmly back away while facing the bear. (Editor: Chen Jen-Hua) 1150615

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan

Black Bear Sighted Near Zhile Creek on Central Cross-Island Highway Detour – Travelers Urged to Stay Alert

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