Authorities probe shooting death of man on Nantou trail
Nantou, Taiwan – Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting incident that occurred late Tuesday night in the remote mountains of Nantou County. A 50-year-old Indigenous man, surnamed Chang (張), was fatally shot while returning from an expedition to change the battery of a wildlife surveillance camera.
The Nantou Police Department’s Ren’ai Precinct reported that Chang and two Indigenous companions had ventured into the mountainous area to maintain a Formosan black bear surveillance camera. The camera was part of a conservation project aimed at protecting the endangered species in the region.
Shooting Incident Details
The shooting took place around three kilometers from the Ganzhuowan Peaks trailhead, along the Sanlailing Mountain Forest Road. According to the police, Chang was struck in the head by a bullet while walking behind his companions on their return trip. The victim was reportedly hit by a single shot, which entered through his nostril and traveled into the back of his head.
The companions immediately notified the authorities after discovering Chang’s body on the trail. A search team was dispatched early Wednesday morning to recover the victim’s remains. The police confirmed that the cause of death was from a gunshot wound.
Ongoing Investigation
Initial reports suggest that the shooting may have been an accident, possibly caused by an accidental discharge of Chang’s own hunting rifle, which he had brought with him for the trek. Chang, a member of a local organization focused on the conservation of Formosan black bears, was walking behind his friends when the incident occurred. His companions are currently being treated as witnesses rather than suspects, pending further investigation.
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday to confirm the cause of death, and authorities are conducting a forensic examination to verify whether the shooting was indeed accidental.
Authorities’ Response
The Nantou Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. While it is too early to determine the full details, authorities have expressed concern over the safety of individuals carrying firearms during conservation activities in the remote wilderness areas.
Chang’s tragic death has sparked questions about the safety protocols for wildlife monitoring activities in Taiwan’s mountain regions. Conservationists are calling for more oversight on the use of firearms during fieldwork.
Table:
| Victim’s Name | Chang (å¼µ) |
|---|---|
| Age | 50 |
| Occupation | Indigenous conservationist |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wound |
| Date of Incident | Late Tuesday night |
| Location | Sanlailing Mountain Forest Road, Nantou County |
FAQ
- What happened to the man in Nantou?
- A 50-year-old Indigenous man was fatally shot while returning from changing the battery of a wildlife surveillance camera in a remote area of Nantou County. It is suspected to be an accidental discharge of his own hunting rifle.
- What was the man doing in the mountains?
- The man was involved in a conservation project to monitor Formosan black bears, and he was maintaining a wildlife surveillance camera as part of his work.
- Who is being investigated?
- The two companions who were with the man during the incident are currently considered witnesses. They are not suspected of involvement in the shooting at this time.
- What will happen next in the investigation?
- Authorities are conducting a forensic examination and have scheduled an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. The investigation continues to determine if the shooting was accidental.
