Hualien: A Formosan black bear, previously released into the wild in Hualien County, has been captured again after being found significantly underweight, raising concerns about its future prospects.

According to Focus Taiwan, the bear was captured by Taiwan’s Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) while scavenging for food in Yuli Township. The capture took place on a fruit farm around 6 a.m. on Monday, as reported by Chu Yi-chien, the deputy chief of FANCA’s Hualien branch. The bear, known as Da qu-ali, was examined by a veterinarian from Taiwan’s WildOne Wildlife Conservation Association, revealing a substantial weight loss since its last release on December 4, 2024.

Chu noted that Da qu-ali’s weight had decreased from 91 kilograms to 63 kilograms, and it had sustained new wounds on its left hind leg, despite recovering from previous injuries. The decision on whether to return the bear to the wild or provide long-term care will be made after a comprehensive physical examination by experts.

Initially rescued by FANCA in March 2024 due to repeated intrusions into human settlements, Da qu-ali underwent eight months of physical therapy before being reintroduced into the wild with a satellite tracker for monitoring. After its release, the bear was observed entering Yushan National Park, likely to establish a wintering site.

In early February, Da qu-ali began relocating and was detected in areas under electronic surveillance by the Hualien agency. Sightings of the bear have been reported over the past ten days, with concerns arising about its weakened state due to weight loss and difficulty finding food because of its leg injury.

On March 3, Yuancheng Elementary School teachers in Yuli reported spotting a black bear, later confirmed as Da qu-ali, on school grounds on February 27. By March 4, the bear was found scavenging in fruit farms, even consuming rotten meat intended to attract fruit flies. To prevent encounters with local residents, following images of the bear limping and appearing smaller and weaker, the branch office initiated a trapping operation, successfully capturing Da qu-ali on Monday.