A Formosan black bear was spotted along a provincial highway for the first time on Sunday morning, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency said yesterday.
A driver surnamed Pan (潘) was driving along Provincial Highway No. 9 in Hualien County when he spotted a small black bear running along the hard shoulder.
The bear crossed the road and met with another larger black bear, Pan told the Hualien branch of the agency.
Photo from a vehicle dashcam
The two bears then crossed the guardrail and went to the riverbed of the Siuguluan River (秀姑巒溪), Pan said.
Pan likely spotted a mother bear and her cub, the agency said.
Personnel were dispatched to the site on Monday, where they found Formosan black bear prints and droppings, it said.
The bears were spotted far from the mountains at an altitude of only 119m, the first recorded appearance of a Formosan black bear in an area with frequent human and vehicle activity, the agency said.
This shows that black bears are gradually expanding into densely populated areas, which is highly concerning, it said.
Local construction sites have been notified to be vigilant in their disposal of food and other waste, the agency said.
Personnel have been sent to investigate the area and educate residents on the safety of people and bears, it added.
Drivers should be extra careful between Rueisuei (瑞穗) and Yuli (玉里) districts, as black bears can appear anywhere south of Rueisuei, the agency said.
If they spot a black bear, they should immediately slow down and should not chase it or exit the vehicle to approach it, the agency said.
It is important to properly dispose of food scraps and other waste to avoid attracting bears, it added.
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