THE HIMALAYAN BLACK BEAR 



ugly snout-and-lip-development of the latter. It 

 is also larger and heavier than the preceding, being 

 found up to seven feet in length, though, generally 

 speaking, even the males measure less than six 

 feet. 



It is found all over the Himalayas in British 

 India as well as in Cashmere, but it apparently 

 does not occur in Thibet, so that one of its 

 specific names is a misnomer, and ought therefore 

 to be abandoned. General Kinloch and Colonel 

 Ward differ somewhat in their respective opinions 

 as to the favourite habitats of this animal, the 

 former stating that it is perhaps more numerous 

 in parts of Cashmere than elsewhere, while the 

 latter is of opinion that more are to be found in 

 parts of British India such as Ghurwal and 

 Chumba, etc. In summer it is often found at high 

 elevations close to the snow. 



Unless shot between the middle of March and 

 the middle of May, or in November, the skin is 

 worthless. 



The menu of this bear is a comprehensive one, 

 and very little edible matter appears to be omitted 

 from it. Wild and cultivated fruits, berries, crops 

 (especially maize, buckwheat, and barley), acorns, 

 roots, insects, honey, cucumbers, pumpkins, and 

 carrion are all included. Occasionally it kills 

 domestic animals, not sparing even cattle. It 

 sometimes shows fight when wounded, but more 

 often tries to escape. Frequently, when suddenly 

 disturbed at close quarters, it will attack men 

 without further provocation. Its sense of smell is 



203 



