Yushan’s Long-standing Commitment to Black Bear Conservation
Being the only bear species endemic to Taiwan, Formosan black bears inhabit Yushan National Park. For the last 25 years, the Yushan National Park (the Headquarters) has been endeavoring to promote the study and protection of black bears. Yushan National Park serves as the core habitat for Formosan black bears, with sleuths of bears totaling 250 to 300. The Park also provides crucial living conditions for the bears because of its vast territory, intact habitats, and diverse ecology. All of these contribute to a favorable living environment for black bears. The Headquarters has commissioned Professor Huang, Mei-Hsiu and her research team at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology to analyze the bear activity in the designated areas, the patterns of such activity and the use of habitats through the satellite tracking system. It was discovered that the area of bear activity is more than 200 km² – more than half of the bears are active beyond the area of the Park. Yushan National Park has been proven to be the only habitat where the number of black bears has grown and the habitat area has expanded. The study indicates that black bears are most active during the early morning and late evening hours though they are normally considered diurnal animals. Black bears don’t hibernate and become more active during the fall and winter, especially at night. It is probably because they need to put on weight to prepare for winter. The research team has monitored the activity of black bears as well as other mammals in the area via an infrared trail camera. Citizen scientists and voluntary workers are also invited to participate in the field study and analysis of research data.
Driving at a Slow Speed to Ensure Your Safety and the Safety of Wildlife
Yushan National Park possesses rich wildlife, which means visitors may come across Formosan black bears and other wild animals along the trail or road in the vicinity. Recently, images of black bears running along Southern Cross-Island Highway have been filmed. Therefore, the Headquarters urges all visitors to drive at a slow speed to ensure your safety and the safety of the black bears. Most wild animals would not miss an opportunity to retrieve food; therefore, you need to handle your food and garbage with care. For your safety and the safety of the black bears, you need to keep a safe distance from them. Also, you are reminded not to disturb, feed or touch the bears. (1) Bring a bear bell or whistle. You need to make loud noises when a bear approaches you; (2) Put away your food. The bears can smell the food and approach you. Don’t leave your garbage and leftovers behind. Your food may disrupt the natural behaviors of bears and other wild animals; (3) If you see a black bear, keep calm and leave quietly; (4) If you come across a black bear on the road, don't panic. You should slow down or stop your vehicle until the bear leaves the road. Don’t get out of your vehicle.
In case you find a black bear on your trail, please contact Yushan National Park (Headquarters) at 049-2773121. You may also inform us via our website: https://www.ysnp.gov.tw/En/StaticPage/CircularEn
(Path: Home Page ⭢ Ecological Protection ⭢ Black Bear ⭢ Notification of Black Bear)
The Headquarters made a promotional video about human-bear relationships for National Park visitors this year, which includes information about the behavior of Formosan black bears. Also, we produced an interesting animation video called “The Miraculous Journey of Bear Daubas,” hoping to tell you what to do in case you run into a black bear. Thus, the visitors to Yushan National Park can gain access to foundational knowledge of the behavior of Formosan black bears and what is the right attitude that trekkers should possess. Please click for the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQCF-3hQOEM 

The Headquarters is planning a correlation study about the relationship between vegetation cover and bear activity to figure out the link between bear activity and their diet. May we all join together to conserve the natural environment of Yushan National Park – a haven for wildlife.