CHAPTER XI. 



THE CHIEF BEARS OF INDIA 



THE INDIAN BLACK SLOTH BEAR (Ursus Labiatus) 



I ^HIS bear derives its specific name from its 



JL long snout, and the general "lippy" appear- 



ance of its muzzle. It is common in suitable 



localities all over India proper ; though, according 



to Blyth, it is not found in Burmah. 



The sloth bear is often seen when beating for 

 tigers in the Deccan, but is generally allowed under 

 such circumstances to pass unscathed, for fear of 

 a shot alarming the more coveted animal, should 

 he be in the beat, and so of causing him to break 

 back through the beaters in place of coming on 

 to the guns. In length this bear measures from 

 5 to 6 feet, and stands about 3 feet in height. 



Bears possess certain idiosyncrasies which are 

 very characteristic. For instance, they are very 

 liable to attack when unwounded if suddenly 

 encountered at close quarters. Again, on a female 

 bear accompanied by her young being disturbed 

 when out feeding, the cubs jump on to their 

 mother's back, and hold on by her thick, shaggy 

 hair while she beats a hasty retreat. 



If two or more bears together be encountered, 



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