The himalayan bear (Asiatic Black Bear, Ursus thibetanus) was common in Far Eastern Russia, and lived in the same habitat as the Amur tigers and the Far Eastern Leopards. Consequently, I'd sometimes get them in my foot-snares. Trying to understand the roles these large predators played, I radio-collared the bears, too. They are the counterpart to our American black bears, and lived alongside the leopards, the tigers, and the brown bears.

Typical size of an adult female with cubs. Diagnostic is the broad chevron-shaped blaze on their chest.



This was a huge, belligerent male. He's laying on his back. He was just shy of 500 pounds. I could monitor his radio signal from my house and he provided a lot of good activity data. Like American black bears, they are omnivores. He scavenged a few roe deer and Russian boars, but mainly subsisted on oak mast (acorns).



One bear had a couple different winter dens. One of the "den sites" was a nest-shaped bowl dug below a rock. Not much for keeping warm.



The same bear was periodically using a hollow oak tree for denning. I could easily fit in the tree.



Jack.

Amazing what you have done and great book also......jk

Awesome!

Him a laying for sure.

Neat share, Jack. I didnt know those bears got that big. I thought they were smaller. great pictures. I like the chevron across the chest.

Here's the American cousin.

More insight from someone who can say without any doubt Been there done that Your range of study on a number of interesting topics is amazing to me Thanks for all the info you have given to the members of this forum And of course your pictures are also awesome

I wonder how a 500 # bear fit in that tree.
Flexible like Jello....Great Photos.
Are they killed and eaten by the big Cats there?

Do you have a book ? Always enjoy reading your post amazing life you have lived

Very interesting as always. I love the Chevron on the chests. Very unique.

Yes. We had no evidence of the leopards eating bears, but one tiger specialized in eating Himalayan bears, as well as grizzlies. Those must've been some epic battles.

I actually have 3 books published ("Poetic Injustice", [poetry], "The Last Hunt, [novel], and Wild Life, [autobiography]) and I have another novel (at the printers right now) coming out within the next couple days ("Long Way Home"). They are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Trafford Press, etc.

Those all sound interesting but above my reading level. Please let me know if you ever come out with a coloring book.

Wow - I'd say!

Tatiana -

Thanks for your post. As usual, it lends a whole new perspective to the Himalayan bear post.

All 3 of those books is well worth the read and written not in a hard to read style but for the common reader not the academic

Jack, I want to be like you when I grow up! A very interesting life.

Very interesting;
grandkids grew up watching Marsha and the bear; until the occupation started to happen

All 3 of those books is well worth the read and written not in a hard to read style but for the common reader not the academic [/quote]


nightlife - Glad you liked the books. Thanks...

Jack, your books are perfect to even read aloud to an appreciative audience. I have really enjoyed sharing stories and poetry at gatherings . It is fun. Like singing for others.

Just as sharing fun readings from Robert Service, Shakespeare and others , your book of poems is perfect to share in a group enjoying good visits.

Sharon -

Much appreciated.

The poems are at their finest around a campfire, a wee shot of rye whiskey, good friends, and a good dog that gets a good scratchin' behind the ears from time to time. Thanks.