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Himalayan Black Bear
The Himalayan Black Bear is a widespread denizen of temperate
forests at elevations between 4,000 feet and 12,000 feet. Black
in color with a distinctive white V on its chest, it grows to
7 feet in height, preferring to live in steep, forested hills.
In winter, most bears come down to the lower valleys, somewhere
around 5,000 feet. They spends days sleeping in caves or in
the hollow of trees, emerging at sunset to seek food. In summer,
the bear feeds mainly on wild fruit and berries, though it does
raid orchards. It is the most carnivorous of bears, and many
living near villages kill sheep and goats and even larger cattle.
Proximity to humans leaves many people mauled and
killed each year. The young are born late in the winter and
early spring, in caves, thick undergrowth, and hollow trees.
The young, usually two or more, remain with the mother for a
year or more.
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