Himalayan or Asiatic Black Bear

Asiatic black bear, also Tibetan bear, or moon bear, member of the bear family. The Asiatic black bear is omnivorous, eating insects, fruit, nuts, beehives, small mammals, and birds, as well as carrion. It will occasionally attack domestic animals. It has a glossy black (sometimes brownish) coat, with a whitish mark shaped like a crescent moon on the chest. Its long, coarse neck and shoulder hair forms a modified mane. The bear’s gallbladder and bile are highly valued for use in traditional Asian medicines, especially in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.