The Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger) is a subspecies of the Asiatic black bear, found across the forested and mountainous regions of the Himalayas. Known for the distinctive white, crescent-shaped patch on its chest, this bear plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems in high-altitude forests.
The Himalayan black bear is distributed across the Himalayan range in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, and parts of China. In Nepal, it is mostly found in protected areas such as Langtang National Park, Makalu Barun, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Annapurna Conservational Area and Sagarmatha National Park, generally between 1,200 m to 4,300 m in elevation.
Himalayan black bears are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, with their diet varying seasonally. They primarily eat fruits, berries, nuts, roots, insects, and occasionally small mammals or carrion.
They are mostly solitary animals, except during the mating season or when mothers are raising cubs. They spend the warmer months foraging and fattening up for winter hibernation, which usually occurs in caves or hollow trees from November to March, depending on altitude and weather conditions. Mating takes place in summer, and females give birth during hibernation, usually to one or two cubs.
The Himalayan black bear plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological health of mountain forests, particularly through seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. However, this species is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and degradation caused by expanding agriculture, deforestation, and infrastructure development. Poaching also poses a serious risk, as bears are hunted for their bile, paws, and other body parts used in traditional medicine and as delicacies. In addition, human-wildlife conflict is a growing concern, especially when bears raid crops or prey on livestock, often resulting in retaliatory killings. As human settlements continue to expand along forest edges, encounters between people and bears are becoming more frequent, putting both wildlife and communities at greater risk.
The Himalayan black bear is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to threats like habitat loss and poaching. It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits international trade except under exceptional circumstances. In Nepal, the species is protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973.
• Himalayan black bears have a distinct crescent-shaped white patch on their chest, which is why they are also called “moon bears.”
• Despite their size, they are excellent climbers and can scale trees with surprising agility.
• They hibernate during the harsh winter months, giving birth to cubs inside their dens while still asleep.
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