TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A woman surnamed Wu (吳) was injured by a water buffalo while hiking the Caoling Historic Trail in New Taipei on Nov. 5.
The buffalo's horns punctured her left abdomen and buttock, leading to profuse bleeding, per CNA. She required hospitalization for seven days and was released on Monday (Nov. 11).
Wu spoke with the media upon her release, noting that she went hiking with her mother and her aunt, eventually approaching the Yakou Viewing Platform (埡口觀景亭).
She saw six to seven water buffaloes grazing and approached them via stone steps by the platform. After taking out her phone to take a picture, she was struck in the back, causing her to roll on the ground and later retreat to the viewing platform.
Wu was in pain and unable to move and after conducting a quick inspection, she discovered puncture wounds that were bleeding.
An ambulance took her to Jiaoxi’s Hsing-Ho Hospital, but due to the severity of her injuries was transferred to Lotung Pohai Hospital.
Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Deputy Director Wu Chien-chih (吳建志) sent personnel to the hospital to express condolences to Wu. He also contacted an insurance company to handle follow-up affairs and sent personnel to inspect the trail the following day.
Wu said notices have been placed at eight locations along the trail, reminding visitors to keep their distance from water buffaloes. Additionally, service staff at two visitor centers in the area have been asked to remind visitors of the danger posed by water buffalo.
Yangmingshan National Park reported similar attacks by water buffaloes on hikers, the most recent occurring in 2021. A woman died in 2018 after being attacked by a water buffalo in the park, leading the park to erect barrier fences and walkways to separate visitors from water buffaloes.
According to Wu, government agencies from New Taipei and Yilan met in May to discuss water buffalo management. After this most recent attack, another meeting will be convened between the same groups on Thursday to further discuss the matter.
