The Himalayan Black Bear Selenarctos thibetanus

Its shorter smoother and black claws distinguish it at once from the Sloth bear. Its build is less clumsy and more compact. General colour typically black; muzzle, tan or brown; chin, white or buff: very characteristic is the V shaped breast mark, which may be white, yellow, or buff.

They are distributed along Kashmir, the Himalayas and Assam, extending eastwards into china and Japan, Southwards into Burma and the Malay countries, westward into Baluchistan.
Steep forested hills are the favoured habitat of this bear. In the Himalayas during summer they may be found near the limits of the tree line 3050 to 3660 Mt. But in winter they come down to the lower valleys, 1525 Mt. and even lower. In Baluchistan they have adapted themselves to life in an arid environment. The Himalayan black bear spends the day sleeping in a rock cave or in the hallow of a tree. It comes out at dusk to seek its food and retires after sunrise. However, it was noted to be frequently Active during the day in the Dachigam National Park in Srinagar (Kashmir). Food varies with season in summer they live largely on wild fruit and berries. Being expert climbers much of their food is taken from the tree tops. This is season when honey is to be had. The bear work hard to get at the comb of the little bee which builds its hive in hallow tree trunks. It is the most carnivorous of the bears, and many living near villages kill sheep and goat and even larger cattle. Many people are killed or mauled by these animals.
The mating season is late autumn. The cubs are produced in the winter and early in spring, in the shelter of thick under growth or in a cave or hollow tree. The young, usually two or more, remain with their mother for a year or more.

Return to Top