HUALIEN (TVBS News) — Officials released two Formosan black bears (台灣黑熊) into the wild on Wednesday (Dec. 4) with blessings from local tribespeople. Authorities said they will closely monitor the bears to ensure they do not disturb nearby communities, allowing them to thrive in their natural habitat.
The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Hualien Branch (FNCA, 林業及自然保育署花蓮分署), announced that the bears, named Da qu-ali (達古阿里) and Aziman Siking (阿里曼．西肯), returned to the forest with support from the WildOne Veterinary Hospital (野灣獸醫院), Formosa Wild Sound Conservation Science Center (野聲環境生態有限公司), and local tribes.
The FNCA said the agency has improved the release procedures to enhance safety and consulted tribal leaders to understand their perspectives on the release and pledged to collaborate on bear-prevention measures. To ensure the safety of humans and bears, they will track the bears using satellite transmitters and install electronic fences around communities.
Since 2021, surveys have indicated that the Zhuoxi (卓溪) mountain village area is a hotspot for bear activity. The agency urges enhanced preventive measures, such as proper disposal of kitchen waste, feed, pesticides, and fertilizers, to avoid attracting bears.