Asian Black Bearツキノワグマ

Ursus thibetanusVU— Vulnerable

The Asian black bear, also called the moon bear for the pale crescent on its chest, ranges across forested habitats from Iran through the Himalayas to East Asia and Japan. A largely herbivorous omnivore and skilled climber, it faces mounting pressure from deforestation, human conflict, and poaching for body parts used in traditional medicine. The IUCN classifies it as Vulnerable.

Asian Black Bear (reference photo)
Photo: Guérin Nicolas / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Carnivora / Ursidae Source
Size
Head-body length about 120–190 cm
Weight
Males about 60–200 kg (average 135 kg), females about 40–125 kg
Lifespan
About 25 years in the wild; one captive individual reached 44 years
Diet
Omnivore Largely plant-based omnivore, feeding mainly on leaves, fruit, and seeds; eats large quantities of insects such as ants in early summer and occasionally takes ungulates
Activity
Basically diurnal, but may become more nocturnal in areas with heavy human activity
Distribution
The Asian black bear ranges from southeastern Iran through the Himalayas across mainland Southeast Asia, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan's Honshu and Shikoku islands. Source
Sources
ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

  • Asian black bears are exceptional climbers that reportedly spend nearly half their lives in trees, often leaving behind 'bear nests' of broken branches where they have sat and fed. Source
  • Asian black bears are notably more aggressive toward humans than related species; a hospital in Srinagar reportedly received dozens of attack victims annually around the turn of the 20th century. Source
  • In traditional Japanese hunting culture, killing an all-black bear lacking the distinctive white chest crescent was believed to anger mountain spirits, and some hunters permanently gave up hunting after doing so. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 15

Noboribetsu BearParkHokkaidoOpened in 1958

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OkuhidakumabokujouGifu2535 Hitoegane, Okuhida Onsengo, Takayama, Gifu.

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Kahokuchoujidou DoubutsuenYamagata81 Yachi-Bo, Kahoku-machi, Nishimurayama-gun, Yamagata.

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Gunmasafari ParkGunmaOpened in 1979

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Hiroshima City Asa Zoological ParkHiroshimaFrom JR Hiroshima Station, take the Sanyo Main Line or Kabe Line to Shin-Hakushima Station, transfer to the Astram Line to Kamiyasu Station, then take a bus to "Asa Dobutsu Koen" (about 45 minutes in total).

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Hirakawa ZooKagoshimaAbout a 20-minute walk from Goino Station on the JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line, or take a bus bound for Taniyama / Dobutsuen from Fukuhira Nokyo-mae to the last stop.

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Akitashioomoriyama DoubutsuenAkitaFrom bus stop 7 at the west exit of the JR Akita Station bus terminal, take the Akita Chuo Kotsu "Araya Line" bus for about 30 minutes.

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Suzaka ZooNaganoFrom the Suzaka-Nagano-Higashi IC on the Joshin-etsu Expressway, take Route 403, turn right at the Kotaka-machi intersection, turn left at the Kami-Hatcho intersection, cross Garyu Bridge, and turn left for the south entrance.

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Moriokashi Doubutsu KouenIwateOpened in 1989

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Ueno ZooTokyoOpened in 1882

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Hitachishikamine DoubutsuenIbarakiAbout 5 minutes from the Hitachi-Chuo Interchange on the Joban Expressway via National Route 6.

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Hamamatsu Zoological GardensShizuokaOpened in 1950

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Toyamashifamiri ParkToyamaOpened in 1984

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Wakayamajou Kouen DoubutsuenWakayamaOpened in 1919

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Kyoto City ZooKyotoOpened in 1903

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Former facilities

North Safari SapporoHokkaidoOpened in 2005

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Closed: 2025-09-30 Official Site

Latest news

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Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Vulnerable (VU)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Why is the Asian black bear called the moon bear?
It gets the nickname from the pale, crescent-moon-shaped patch of fur on its chest, which contrasts with its otherwise black coat. Source
Why is the Asian black bear considered Vulnerable?
Habitat loss from deforestation, poaching for gall bladders and other body parts used in traditional medicine, and conflict with humans over livestock and crops have all driven population declines. Source
Are Asian black bears good climbers?
Yes — they are among the most arboreal of the world's bears and reportedly spend close to half their lives in trees. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?
Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 15 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org