Asiatic Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus)

Bear Facts

• Threatened by habitat destruction and being hunted for their gall bladders and body parts.
• Thousands are kept in coffin sized cages in ‘Bear Farms’ in China and Vietnam where they endure the excruciating process of being milked for their bile on a daily basis. The bile is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine despite the fact it can be man-made.
• They are used as dancing bears and for the barbaric blood sport of bear baiting in Pakistan.
• They have a distinct crescent shaped marking on their chest which gives the bear its more commonly used name of Moon Bear.
• Also known as the Tibetan Black Bear or Himalayan Black Bear.
• Strong swimmer and excellent tree climber.
• Found over a wide area of southern Asia.
• Lifespan in the wild is around 25 years.
• Cubs stay with their mothers for 2-3 years.
• CITES Appendix I.