ASIATIC BLACK BEAR

also called Himalayan Bear, Tibetan Bear, or Moon Bear (species Selenarctos thibetanus), Central and East Asian bear of the family Ursidae. It raids crops and occasionally attacks domestic animals, is considered sacred by Japanese aboriginals (Ainus), and is sought by the Chinese for the supposedly medicinal effects of its bone and flesh. It has a glossy black (sometimes brownish) coat, with a whitish mark shaped like a crescent moon on the chest. Long, coarse neck and shoulder hair forms a modified mane. The Asiatic black bear lives in forest and brushland. It ranges in elevations up to 3,600 m (11,800 feet) during the summer, becoming fat by fall. It spends the winter at an elevation of 1,500 m (5,000 feet) or less and may sleep for much of the time. The adult weighs about 110 kg (242 pounds); its length averages about 130160 cm (5264 inches), in addition to a 710-centimetre (34-inch) tail. A litter, normally of two cubs, follows the six-month gestation period.