Hualien: The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) announced that the shooting and killing of a black bear by a conservationist in Hualien was a “regrettable but necessary action.” The agency explained that due to the situation’s urgency, the patrol members acted in self-defense when they shot the bear on Monday evening.

According to Focus Taiwan, the bear had preyed on four dogs and raided poultry within a 10-day period in Zhuoxi Village. The agency reported that the bear’s most recent sighting was less than 100 meters from Zhongzheng Village (Sinkan), causing alarm among residents.

FANCA emphasized the importance of protecting residents in mountainous areas from animal threats to maintain public support for future conservation efforts. The agency noted an increase in the presence of Formosan black bears in lowlands and settlement areas, with sightings in regions below 1,200 meters rising significantly over the past five years.

The surge in bear sightings indicates that the animal’s population has “definitely multiplied” over the last 20 years, suggesting the species is no longer on the brink of extinction, according to FANCA. Despite this growth, Formosan black bears are still listed as “endangered” under the Wildlife Conservation Act, meaning their population is critically low, and their survival remains in jeopardy.