The Asiatic black bear, scientifically known as Ursus thibetanus, also referred to as the moon bear or white-chested bear, is a medium-sized bear species native to Asia. This bear is notable for its adaptability to an arboreal lifestyle. Recognizable by the white crescent-shaped marking on its chest, it climbs trees skillfully in search of food and safety. It inhabits forests and mountain slopes, feeding on fruits, acorns, insects and occasionally small animals. Habitat loss, conflict with agriculture and exploitation for the bile trade have left the species Vulnerable across much of its range.
Habitat and Distribution
The Asiatic black bear's habitat extends from Iran, through the Himalayas, Southeast Asia, China, and the Russian Far East, reaching as far as Japan and Taiwan. During the summer, Himalayan black bears can be found in warmer regions of Nepal, China, Siberia, and Tibet, at elevations of 3,000-3,600 m (9,800-11,800 ft). As winter approaches, they descend to lower elevations, around 1,500 m (4,900 ft).
In Siberia, the Asian black bear's northern range stretches from Innokenti Bay on the coast of the Sea of Japan southwest to the elevated areas of Sikhote Alin, crossing it at the sources of the Samarga River. The boundary then directs itself north, through the middle course of the Khor, Anyui, and Khungari rivers, eventually reaching the Amur River.
In Taiwan, the Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus), an endemic subspecies, is primarily found in the mountain ranges of the island's central regions, particularly along the Central and Snow Mountain Ranges. These bears inhabit rugged areas at elevations of 1,000-3,500 m (3,300-11,500 ft).
Physical Characteristics
The Asian black bear has black fur, a light brown muzzle, and a distinct whitish or creamy patch on the chest, which is sometimes V-shaped. Its ears are bell shaped, proportionately longer than those of other bears, and stick out sideways from the head. Adults measure 70-100 cm (28-39 in) at the shoulder, and 120-190 cm (47-75 in) in length. Adult males weigh 60-200 kg (130-440 lb) with an average weight of about 135 kg (298 lb). The Asian black bear is similar in general build to brown bear (Ursus arctos), but is lighter and smaller. The lips and nose are larger and more mobile than those of brown bears. The skulls of the Asian black bear is relatively small, but massive, particularly in the lower jaw. Adult males have skulls measuring 311.7 to 328 mm (12.27 to 12.91 in) in length and 199.5-228 mm (7.85-8.98 in) in width, while female skulls are 291.6-315 mm (11.48-12.40 in) long and 163-173 mm (6.4-6.8 in) wide.
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The Asian black bear is the most bipedal of all bears, and can walk upright for over 400 m (0.25 mi). The heel pads on the forefeet are larger than those of most other bear species. Their claws, which are primarily used for climbing and digging, are slightly longer on the fore foot at 30-45 mm (1.2-1.8 in) than the back foot at 18-36 mm (0.71-1.42 in), and are larger and more hooked than those of the American black bear.
Dietary Habits
The Asiatic black bear is an omnivore with a diet that varies depending on seasonal availability. It consumes a wide array of foods, including insects, beetle larvae, invertebrates, termites, grubs, carrion, bees, eggs, garbage, mushrooms, grasses, bark, roots, tubers, fruits, nuts, seeds, honey, herbs, acorns, cherries, dogwood and grain.
Seasonal Variations in Diet
In the April-May period, the bear eats pine nuts and acorns of the previous year. When food is scarce, it ventures into river valleys to find hazelnuts and insect larvae in rotting logs. From mid-May through late June, it supplements its diet with green vegetation and fruit. During July to September, it climbs trees to eat bird cherries, pine cones, vines, and grapes.
Acorns as a Staple Food
Black bears in Japan rely heavily on acorns throughout the year, experiencing caloric fluctuations that influence their energy balance. Their energy balance declines from May to June, rises again in August through October, and declines once more in November. Both male and female bears exhibit a higher energy balance in years with abundant mast crops (acorns) compared to years with poor mast crops.
Nutritional Supplementation
Asian black bears may supplement their deficient diet with nutrients. They consume roots and tubers, as well as small invertebrates and vertebrates, and carrion. There have even been documented cases of them eating buffalo by breaking the neck. They also sometimes prey on livestock and consume the produce of farms.
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Behavior and Activity
Asian black bears are typically solitary animals, primarily active at night, though they may become diurnal near human habitations. They are excellent climbers, often resting in tree nests and using height for safety. They will walk in a procession of largest to smallest. Asian black bears do not hibernate over most of their range. They may hibernate in their colder, northern ranges, though some bears will simply move to lower elevations. Nearly all pregnant sows hibernate. Asian black bears prepare their dens for hibernation in mid-October, and will sleep from November until March.
Interactions with Other Species
The Asian black bear's range overlaps with that of the sloth bear in central and southern India, the sun bear in Southeast Asia, and the brown bear in the southern part of the Russian Far East. Asian black bears seem to intimidate Himalayan brown bears in direct encounters. Asian black bears are occasionally attacked by tigers and brown bears. Leopards are known to prey on bear cubs younger than two years old.
Conservation Status and Threats
The Asiatic black bear is listed as Vulnerable due to deforestation, conflicts with farmers, and exploitation for the bile trade. The diversity of habitats is being destroyed, resulting in not enough variety to fully support the Asiatic black bears. Uncontrolled harvesting and deforestation further threaten the species, and bears were becoming genetically isolated from each other.
The Story of Beezler
Beezler, an Asiatic black bear at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, lived to be 30 years old, surpassing the median life expectancy for Asiatic black bears in human care. Her keepers described her as sweet and sassy, noting her intelligence and gentle demeanor. Her diet consisted of peanuts, apples, lettuce, carrots, yams, bananas and an omnivore chow. Occasionally, she enjoyed meat or fish, but her true high-value rewards were whipped cream and yogurt. Beezler's story highlights the potential for these bears to thrive in a supportive environment with proper care and enrichment.
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