Hikers beware: recent black bear sightings around Dafen, Yushan National Park
(This is historical news, for reference only, please refer to the current
Post Date：2016-06-03
~2016-07-03
Released by：Yushan National Park Headquarters
Formosan black bear is the largest mammal in Taiwan’s mountain zone. Although its numbers are few in the wild, travels still occasionally encounter them while hiking.
On May 11th, a repair worker sighted a 2-meter tall black bear, and retreated back into Baoyai Cabin for cover. The black bear was reported to attempt breaking into the cabin to search for food. A similar incident happened on May 15th.
The Walami/Dafen area of Yushan National Park is one of Formosan black bear’s major habitats. Black bear activity has been wide-ranging on the east-end of the Botonguan trail, along Jiasin, Walami, Baoyai, Duomeili, and Dafen tracks. Visitors will have an increased chance of encountering black bears in the future.
Therefore, hikers are advised to stay in groups and avoid traveling alone. Carrying bear deterrent spray and making noises with whistles or jingling pocket bells are also recommended. If black bears are sighted from afar, please remain calm, retreat from the site quietly, and refrain from intimidating or confronting the bears. When staying at the cabins or preparing meals, all food waste are to be collected and sealed up, and not to be carelessly disposed.
Please stay alert at all times.