TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Formosan black bear cub was found dead on the Southern Cross-Island Highway Sunday afternoon.

A cyclist discovered the cub and moved its body to the roadside to prevent it being struck by another vehicle before reporting the incident to Wulu Police Precinct, per CNA.

Police confirmed the cub showed no signs of life and noted an adult female Formosan black bear on a nearby cliff, which lingered for a time before departing.

The cub, estimated at one to two months old, measured 56 cm in length and weighed 2.6 kg—the youngest recorded bear death and the first on this highway section. Its body was sent to the WildOne Wildlife Hospital for an autopsy, with initial suspicion pointing to a fall from a cliff.

Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency officials thanked passers-by for reporting the incident and instructed local Indigenous tribal leaders to step up bear patrols to prevent human-bear conflicts.

The FNCA’s Taitung Branch warned of increased bear activity in the Wulu area and urged the public to carry bear bells or other noise-making devices when traveling in shallow mountainous regions.

Officials advised that if a Formosan black bear or cub is sighted, people should keep their distance, not provoke the animal, and back away slowly along the same path.

Any sightings of bears or trapped wildlife should be reported immediately to the 1999 hotline or the FNCA 24-hour hotline at 0800-000 930.