Rescued Bear Returns to Taiwan Wild

Why this is here: The rescued bear, named “Ibi,” gained nearly 5kg in just over a month while under the care of wildlife specialists.

Taiwan’s Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency released a young Taiwanese black bear named Ibi into the wild yesterday. The bear was rescued on April 9 by a Wuling tribal patrol after it became caught in a rope snare trap. Members of the Bunun tribe named the cub “Ibi” after a tribal member who first reported the trapped animal.

After receiving care at a center and gaining roughly 5kg, Ibi passed assessment for release. The bear now weighs 40.5kg and is fitted with a GPS tracker. Agency officials hope the data collected will help with Taiwan black bear conservation efforts.

The quick rescue depended on the timely reporting of the Wuling patrol, who participate in the Payments for Ecosystem Services Program. Continued monitoring will assess Ibi’s adjustment to life in the wild, and the long-term success of this reintroduction remains to be seen.