Protected Civet Found Dead in Hualien, Suspected Dog Attack

Central News Agency, Hualien, May 30. The Hualien Animal and Plant Disease Control Center received a report yesterday regarding a dead civet found on Nanbin Road in Ji'an Township. Due to suspected bite marks, it is believed the animal was attacked by dogs the previous night. The remains have been sent for testing to rule out rabies. The center stated they received a report at 8:00 AM yesterday about a dead 'masked palm civet' on the road, initially suspected to be a roadkill incident. Upon identification, it was confirmed to be a rare Level 2 protected civet. Preliminary veterinary examination revealed the male civet weighed 1.9kg and was 50cm long, with three puncture wounds, suggesting a dog attack rather than a vehicle collision. Director Chou Huang-te-jung noted that civets typically inhabit low-altitude mountains, making their presence in the busy, coastal Nanbin area highly unusual. To determine if rabies caused abnormal behavior, the specimen was sent to the Animal Health Research Institute in Tamsui, New Taipei City.