The Himalayan Black Bear

 The Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger), also known as the Asiatic black bear, is a subspecies found throughout the Himalayas and neighbouring regions. It has a distinctive V-shaped white patch on chest. They are powerful build with sharp claws for climbing. The species' fossilised remains were discovered in Germany and France, but currently, it only exists in Asia, mainly confined in the Himalayas of India, Bhutan, Nepal, China, and Pakistan; found in forested areas from 1,200 to 4,300 meters elevation.

It is omnivorous with a diverse diet: feeds on acorns, nuts, fruits, berries; eats insects, particularly termites and beetle larvae; hunts small mammals and occasionally livestock, also consumes honey, earning them the nickname ‘honey bears’.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitat, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and strengthening anti-poaching measures. Several protected areas across their range serve as important refuges for this species. I found it in the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary in Northern West Bengal.