Formosan Black Bear Spotted in Cilang Mountain Area for the First Time by Forest Service
The Yilan Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency announced today that they have successfully captured the first images of a Formosan black bear and its den in the Cilang Mountain area using infrared cameras installed since 2015. It is speculated that the bear may have migrated from the Central Mountain Range.
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- 📰 Published: April 17, 2026 at 21:25
- 🔍 Collected: April 17, 2026 at 21:31 (6 min after Published)
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(CNA Reporter Shen Ruo-feng, Yilan County, April 17) The Yilan Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency today announced that since installing infrared cameras in its jurisdiction in 2015, they have captured the first sighting of a Formosan black bear and a bear den in the Cilang Mountain area last December. It is speculated that the bear may have come from the Central Mountain Range. They urge hikers to be cautious.
The Yilan Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency told CNA that after installing more than 50 infrared cameras in its jurisdiction starting in 2015, they had never recorded any sightings of Formosan black bears. In the past, there were only "forest legends" described by hunters who claimed to have seen bear tracks.
In April of last year, upon hearing reports of potential Formosan black bear sightings again on forest road 100 in Cilang Mountain, Yilan, they commissioned a team to install more infrared cameras in the local mountain areas. In December of last year, they finally succeeded in capturing the first footage of a Formosan black bear. Another camera point on forest road 100 also recorded a bear den, indicating the presence of Formosan black bear activity in Cilang Mountain. These records were only retrieved recently due to access issues caused by blocked forest roads.
The Yilan Branch speculates that this Formosan black bear, or even its population, may have spread from the Central Mountain Range to the Yilan mountains, but this requires further confirmation. To enhance safety for mountain activities, "Beware of Bears" signs have been erected on forest road 100, and a bear bell lending station is available for hikers. They remind the public that if they encounter a black bear in the mountains, they should remain calm, maintain a safe distance, and avoid approaching, chasing, or taking photos to ensure personal safety. (Editor: Guan Chung-wei) 1140417
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The Yilan Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency told CNA that after installing more than 50 infrared cameras in its jurisdiction starting in 2015, they had never recorded any sightings of Formosan black bears. In the past, there were only "forest legends" described by hunters who claimed to have seen bear tracks.
In April of last year, upon hearing reports of potential Formosan black bear sightings again on forest road 100 in Cilang Mountain, Yilan, they commissioned a team to install more infrared cameras in the local mountain areas. In December of last year, they finally succeeded in capturing the first footage of a Formosan black bear. Another camera point on forest road 100 also recorded a bear den, indicating the presence of Formosan black bear activity in Cilang Mountain. These records were only retrieved recently due to access issues caused by blocked forest roads.
The Yilan Branch speculates that this Formosan black bear, or even its population, may have spread from the Central Mountain Range to the Yilan mountains, but this requires further confirmation. To enhance safety for mountain activities, "Beware of Bears" signs have been erected on forest road 100, and a bear bell lending station is available for hikers. They remind the public that if they encounter a black bear in the mountains, they should remain calm, maintain a safe distance, and avoid approaching, chasing, or taking photos to ensure personal safety. (Editor: Guan Chung-wei) 1140417
Choose to stand with facts. Your every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download CNA's 'First News' APP to get the latest news in real-time.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.