The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency's Hualien Branch recently successfully rescued a mother bear trapped in a snare in the Taiping community of Zhuoxi Township. Following the rescue, locals reported spotting another small black bear in the vicinity. In response, the agency set up baited traps and infrared cameras to monitor the area. Today, they successfully captured the small bear and transported it to the WildOne Association for care and assessment for future release.
On March 27, the agency received a report about a mother bear caught in a snare. After rescuing the bear, they sent it to the WildOne Wildlife Conservation Association in Taitung for medical treatment. To confirm whether another bear was present in the area, as reported by locals, the agency set up scent stations, baited traps, and infrared cameras. On the morning of March 28, camera footage revealed a small bear, but it did not enter the trap until today. The Hualien Branch, along with veterinarians from the WildOne Association, sedated the bear and transported it for further care.
The WildOne Association examined the small bear, identifying it as a female weighing 11.5 kilograms. Although she showed no external injuries, her condition was concerning due to being underweight. The agency will investigate whether this cub is related to the mother bear rescued earlier. Since the cub is still young, it will be cared for until it reaches a suitable weight for release, after which it will undergo outdoor training to prepare it for life in the wild.
The Hualien Branch advises farmers and indigenous communities that if they need to protect against wildlife or engage in traditional hunting, they should avoid using large commercial snares to prevent accidentally capturing Formosan black bears. Instead, they can contact the agency's local stations to obtain or exchange improved hunting gear free of charge. If bear disturbances are encountered, residents are encouraged to report them to the Hualien Branch for assistance.
