TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Officials from the Hualien Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency responded to a wildlife emergency in Zhuoxi Township following multiple incidents involving a black bear.

Over the past two weeks, the bear invaded property belonging to members of the Sinkan tribe on several occasions. In recent days, the bear killed three guard dogs and multiple chickens, reported CNA. 

The agency said it received its first report on April 11 after the bear attacked a poultry farm. Officials inspected the area, discovered the bear’s den, installed surveillance cameras, and warned farmers to relocate their animals to safer locations.

However, according to a press release, the farm did not take further precautions, leading to a string of fatal incidents. A guard dog went missing on April 14 and is presumed dead. The second dog was killed on April 16, and a third was attacked and killed on April 17.

Camera footage captured the bear attacking the chicken coop on April 15 and attacking the dog on Thursday night.

After reviewing footage of the animal, the agency determined that the bear was released into the Yushan National Park four years ago. The bear is wearing a tracking collar, identified with the tracking code YNB-BB02, but the tracker stopped working over 3 years ago, per CNA.

Hualien forestry officials have contacted administrators at Yushan National Park and asked for assistance in locating the bear to fix or remove the broken tracking device. The bear is still wandering in the area, and agents are on alert for future sightings.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency urges the public to properly secure their food, pets, and livestock in mountainous areas. People should also immediately report any bear sightings near human settlements to the agency.