Nantou, Taiwan — December 7, 2025
The Nantou Branch of the Forestry Protection Agency confirmed multiple Formosan black bear sightings in Nanfeng Village and Cuihua Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, following reports from local residents on December 4 and 5. Both sightings occurred near tea plantations, with one location situated approximately 350 meters from a nearby campsite. These marks the first reports received from the public in these specific areas.
In response, the Nantou Branch has initiated monitoring and preventive measures, providing villagers with bear bells, bear spray, and other bear-deterrent supplies.
Earlier, during an outreach activity in the Malieba Tribe on November 9, residents reported seeing individual black bears in the Nanfeng Village area in mid-September. Authorities set up infrared automatic cameras to track the movements of the bears.
On the morning of December 4, the public reported that a Formosan black bear had been seen on the night of December 2 in Meixi Village, Nanfeng Township, at an altitude of approximately 1,025 meters. The bear retreated up the slope after encountering people. Authorities advised the nearby campsite owner to raise public awareness and encourage visitors to properly dispose of cooked food scraps and remove beehives to avoid attracting bears. Infrared cameras were also deployed to monitor bear activity.
On December 5, Nantou authorities received a report relayed by Lin Guoqiang, chairman of the Cuiluan Community Council, regarding a black bear sighting on December 3 in Cuihua Village. The bear was observed on a mountainside opposite the upstream section of the Beigang River, at an altitude of 1,731 meters, in an area surrounded by tea plantations. Villagers were provided with bear-repelling supplies and informational brochures, and additional monitoring operations have been scheduled.
The Nantou Branch of the Workforce Development Agency urged residents to remain calm and maintain a safe distance if encountering black bears. Officials emphasized:
-
Do not approach, chase, or photograph bears.
-
Properly store food and food scraps to avoid attracting wildlife.
-
Hike in groups and carry bear bells, bear spray, or other noise-making devices.
Anyone who witnesses a black bear, experiences bear intrusion, or encounters an accidentally trapped bear is urged to immediately call 1999 or 0800-000-930 (YouYouYouRescueForestry) to report the incident.