Blurring Boundaries Between Humans and Bears: From 'Nanan Cub' to 'Fridge Thief'

In April 2025, a Taiwan black bear was shot and killed by a forest ranger after it attempted to attack a person. This incident highlights the shrinking distance between humans and bears. In 2018, a cub nicknamed "Mei-zai" appeared in Zhuoxi Township, Hualien, and became a symbol of conservation. However, seven years later, the image of the black bear has shifted from a cute cub to a predator raiding tribal settlements. In the Zhuoxi area, black bears have repeatedly raided chicken coops, causing significant financial loss and fear among residents, who now restrict children from playing outside at night. According to the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, reports of black bear sightings have increased, reaching 15 cases in 2025. Victims now include dogs in addition to chickens. In January, a bear in Alishan, Chiayi, earned the nickname "Fridge Thief" after breaking into a kitchen for four consecutive days to eat eggs and canned food. The agency attributes this to a growing bear population expanding into lower mountain areas. They are working with local communities to improve food management and protective systems. Huang Chun-tse, head of the Hualien branch, noted that balancing wildlife conservation with human safety is difficult but believes coexistence is possible through proper management.