Asiatic or Himalayan Black Bear

The small eyes of the bear, along with its rounded ears, long snout, short tail, large body and shaggy hair, differentiate it from the other species of bears. Asiatic black bears also have a whitish V-shaped breast patch, not found in other bear species. 

During the winter months in their colder, northern ranges they may hibernate for 4 to 6 months, although some bears will simply move to lower elevations. Himalayan bears are normally day active (diurnal) but they become increasingly nocturnal when they live close to humans. They are omnivorous, eating both vegetables and meat. The diet of the Himalayan bear consists of insects, beetle larvae, invertebrates, termites, grubs, carrion, bees, eggs, mushrooms, grasses, fruits, nuts, seeds, honey, herbs, acorns, cherries, dogwood, oak nuts and grain. The bears often use their sharp curved claws to help them climb trees in their search for food.

The senses of the Himalayan black bears highly developed and they boast at having almost twice the hearing sensitivity of humans. Black bears have coloured vision and their eyesight is very sharp. Even their ability to smell is highly evolved.

The mating season of the Himalayan black bears is usually from late June to mid-August. Similar to brown bears, Asian black bears have delayed implantation and so the twin cubs are born in the following spring. Females usually give birth in caves or hollow after a gestation period of 200–240 days. The cubs will remain mother with the mother for 24-26 months.

Where they live: Asiatic or Himalayan Bears roam from Afghanistan through the Himalayan region to China and Japan.

Habitat: They live in forests high up in the mountains.

Size:  Body length 140 to 165 cm

Weight: 90 and 150 kg (Males are considerably heavier than females)

Life span: Up to 25 years in the wild. Up to 40 years in the zoo.

Conservation status:  IUCN listed Vulnerable

Breeding Programme Status: ESB (European Studbook Management).

Threats:  One of the major reasons the declining population of black bears is deforestation and habitat loss. Asiatic black bears also face threat from farmers, who kill them in order to protect their crops livestock.

Fun Facts:  

• These bears are sometimes called moon bears because of the characteristic white crescent marking on their chest.
• The gall bladders and bile of these animals is highly prized for use in traditional medicines. Yet another reason for its decline.