Formosan black bears, which are endemic to Taiwan, have recently been spotted on mountain trails at lower altitudes in Yushan National Park, park rangers said yesterday.
Formosan black bears used to be found in forests throughout Taiwan, but the expansion of human activity and land development has gradually forced the animals to retreat deeper into the mountains.
The Yushan National Park Administration said the bears have only been spotted at high altitudes in recent years.
But last month some rangers found bear tracks around a mountain hut in the Yushan park at a medium elevation where mountain climbers like to camp.
Early this month, park rangers also spotted fresh claw scratches made by bears on tree trunks along a mountain trail between Dongpu (東埔) and Guangao (觀高) in Nantou County’s Sinyi Township (信義).
“Reports from rangers show a trend, with Formosan black bears venturing into mountainous regions frequented by humans,” an administration official said.
As to why Formosan black bears were reappearing in lower-altitude forests, the official said they could be attracted by the smell of food left behind by mountain climbers.
In addition, the official said, the number of other species, such as barking deer and goats, along mountain trails had increased in recent years, which may be drawing the bears down from higher altitudes.
With the chances of running into Formosan black bears increasing, the official reminded mountain climbers to remain calm and composed if they encounter a bear.
“While Formosan black bears can be ferocious and dangerous, they will usually not attack unless they are threatened, hurt or feel that their cubs are in danger,” the official said.
The best thing to do in the event of an encounter with a bear is to stay calm, try not to provoke the animal and leave the vicinity immediately, the official said.
The official said Formosan black bears, although strong, sturdy and skilled at mountain climbing, were less agile and slower than other carnivores.
Mountain climbers are advised to refrain from climbing trees or pretending to be dead if they come across a bear.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
Former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday expressed “shock and regret” over a statement issued by his wife without his consent, and rejected her assertion that his eldest sister, Ma Yi-nan (馬以南), would manage his medical care or act as his spokesperson amid an ongoing embezzlement probe into his foundation. Ma Ying-jeou in a statement said he was shocked by a statement by his wife, Chou Mei-ching (周美青), regarding his affairs. Ma Yi-nan “must not” be in charge of his healthcare and other personal affairs, nor can she be allowed to represent the Ma family, the former president said. He said he was also
RSS