Tragedy struck after a Formosan black bear cub, rescued from a trap in Taichung, Taiwan, died despite initial stabilization efforts.
Rescue Operation
The Taichung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FNCA) received a report yesterday of a Formosan black bear trapped in a creek within a wooded area of Wushihkeng. A rescue operation was launched, and the cub was transferred to the Institute of Biodiversity under the Ministry of Agriculture for treatment and observation. Initially, the cub's condition appeared stable.
Sudden Demise
Despite the initial positive signs, the veterinary team at the Institute of Biodiversity informed the Taichung Branch this morning that the bear cub had died due to unknown reasons. The Taichung Branch expressed deep regret over the sudden death, especially after the cub showed initial signs of stability and vitality following the rescue.
Investigation into Cause of Death
The cub's body has been sent to the Agriculture Ministry's Veterinary Research Institute for a complete pathological autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Discovery and Rescue Details
The Taichung Branch of the FNCA was alerted the night before last that a Formosan black bear was trapped at an elevation of 1,034 meters in a creek within a wooded area in Wushihkeng, Taichung's Heping District. Upon confirming the report, the Taichung Branch immediately dispatched personnel to the scene and confirmed that the trapped animal was a cub. Due to the late hour and uncertainty about the presence of a mother bear nearby, a joint rescue operation was conducted the following morning with veterinarians from the Institute of Biodiversity. The team arrived at the Institute of Biodiversity's wildlife emergency station at noon, where the cub was reported to be in stable condition.
How the Bear Was Found
Lin farmer Chang Ching-hui reported that he was informed by workers the night before last that a black bear was trapped while they were inspecting water sources in Wushihkeng's Chitongliao area. Chang Ching-hui immediately notified the Taichung Branch and led personnel to the location where the black bear was trapped. Considering the difficulties of a nighttime rescue and potential risks to rescuers, the decision was made to mobilize the team the following morning.
Details of the Rescue Site
The rescue team arrived at the scene at 8:40 a.m. and found no other black bears in the vicinity. After completing the rescue and initial assessment, the black bear was transported to the Wildlife Emergency Station of the Institute of Biodiversity in Jiji, Nantou, arriving at noon. Examination revealed the individual to be a female cub, weighing 19 kilograms, with a swollen left forelimb due to pressure from the snare, requiring treatment and observation.
