Formosan Black Bear Released in Hualien; Tribe Names Cub 'Ciang'

Central News Agency (Hualien) - A Formosan black bear cub, reported in Lishan Village, Zhuoxi Township, Hualien County last November, was released back into the wild today after nearly six months of care and wilderness training by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. When rescued, the cub weighed only 12.3 kg and was malnourished; it now weighs 37.7 kg and has been assessed as capable of independent survival. Before the release, the Bunun tribe held a naming ceremony, calling the cub 'Ciang,' symbolizing strength and a peaceful life. The agency has fitted the bear with a satellite tracking collar for ongoing monitoring. This release highlights the success of community cooperation in bear conservation, and the agency will award the local resident who reported the bear.