Asiatic Black Bear

 

This week’s bear is the Asiatic Black Bear, these bears can be found in eastern Asia including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Taiwan and Vietnam.

They have long black fur with a distinct white patch on the chest that is often crescent-shaped. The fur around the shoulders and throat is particularly long, and their ears are relatively large. The tail is short and is barely visible under a long, coarse coat. The black pelage has a light beige to white “V” shape on the chest area, a small beige to white coloured crescent across the throat, and a small spot of white on the chin. The white fur on the muzzle seldom reaches the orbits of the bear. 

The size differs between males and females. Males typically weigh 110 to 150 kg, while females weigh 65 to 90 kg. The head and body measure 120 to 180 cm in length, while the tail is an additional 6.5 to 10.6 cm. The head is large and rounded, and the eyes are small. The ears are large and are set farther apart than on an American black bear. The body is heavy, the legs are thick and strong, and the paws are broad.

They are more carnivorous than their American counterparts, although only a small part of their diet is made up of meat. This includes small mammals, birds, fish, molluscs and carcasses. They also feed on grasses, fruits, berries, seeds, insects and honey. In autumn they fatten up for the winter by feeding on nuts. In northern climates they hibernate. In southern climates they do not hibernate.

Little is known about Asiatic black bears in the wild; most of what is known about their social and reproductive behaviour has been collected by observing the bears in zoos and environments other than their natural habitat.

In captive environments, the mating pattern of Asiatic black bears is classified as promiscuous. The gestation period is typically 6 to 8 months. This period includes a period of delayed implantation, where the fertilized egg floats freely in the uterus for a time before attaching to the uterine wall and developing further. 

In the wild, Asiatic black bears typically forage alone. However, during breeding season, pairs can be seen hunting and gathering together.

 

They have a lifespan on around 25yrs in the wild and around 35-40yrs in captive.

They are listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN, meaning they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Their populations are decreasing due to habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal trade of bear parts, particularly bile for traditional medicine. Here are some regional estimates of numbers:

• China: Estimates range from 16,000 to 50,000. 

• Japan: Estimates range from 12,000 to 20,000. 

• India: Estimates range from 5,000 to 7,000. 

• Russia: Estimates range from 5,000 to 7,000. 

• Iran: Around 100-200. 

• South Korea: Approximately 40, following reintroduction efforts

They are generally considered dangerous to humans, with documented cases of both unprovoked and provoked attacks. While they are not as frequently involved in attacks as some other bear species, they are known to raid crops, damage property, and injure or kill people. Attacks are more common during late summer, coinciding with mating season.