The Asiatic Bear ( Ursus thibenatus )
The Asiatic Bear - The Asiatic Bear information - The Asiatic Bear facts
This nocturnal carnivore mammal is spread in southern Asia as well as in Japan and Russia. It inhabits wet and tropical forests. It has got a black coloured fur and weighs up to 120 kg while females are lighter (70-90 kg). It has got very sharp claws too, measuring about 5 cm which can be used for its protection against bears, wolves and other natural enemies. He is a good swimmer too.
The Asiatic bear feeds on big animals however he also eats smaller ones such as fish, rodents and beetles. Honey, fruit, grass, berries are also part of his diet. The female bear gives birth up to 4 cubs, each weighting approximately 400 grams. They stay with their mother over 1 year.
From November till April the Asiatic bears are hibernated. In order to have enough energy during this period, they build up a fat store. Their metabolism is minimal, heart beat is about 10 beats per minute and a body temperature is decreased to 5 degrees Centigrade. It is pretty unusual, that they do not excrete any urea or faeces when hibernated. Their toxic substances are transformed to proteins which can be used in metabolic reactions. Nevertheless after hibernation their body mass is rapidly reduced.
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