The Asiatic black bear in general resembles the American black bear, but has an extensive white collar, rounder smaller ears, and a distinct mane of long hair about the neck. The most bipedal of all bears, they are a favorite for circus acts despite their reputation among trainers for being dangerous, treacherous and downright mean. Their often clownish appearance is deceptive. They live in temperate areas of East Asia and high mountain areas of Southeast Asia, in a lifestyle much like that of the American black bear. In temperament, they are far different though. They are the most ill-tempered and ferocious of all bears and cause significant numbers of deaths and serious injuries in areas where they are still common. American researchers who were familiar with our New World bears were quite taken aback by the all-out Tasmanian Devil-like ferocity that this animal exhibits. An Asiatic black bear whose foot is caught in a cable snare will hurl himself at an approaching researcher with screaming roars, wildly slashing with his claws. Even when anesthetized, the bear will fight desperately back to consciousness for one more snap at the researcher. Needless to say, if you ever spot a black bear in Japan or China, keep your distance and leave it strictly alone. These bears can make even Grizzlies seem reasonable.
It is likely that the difference in temperament with our black bear relates to the fact that no significant predator could follow the American black bear into the trees (the Mountain Lion is too small to worry an adult black bear). The Asiatic black bear lives in the same areas traditionally inhabited by tigers, so there was no escape for them. Indeed, tigers often pounced upon them from these very trees. The Asiatic black bear compensated by becoming really mean. Despite the fact that tigers prey on them, they sometimes get even. One researcher observed a tiger drag a wild goat it had just caught into a natural pit and began feeding. He then saw an Asiatic black bear sneak up to the pit with the greatest care and caution. Taking only quick peeks to see how things were, he waited until the tiger was totally engrossed in feeding. He carefully placed all four feet on the edge of the pit, checked his balance and aim, then suddenly hurled himself into the pit with a tremendous screaming roar. Some truly appalling sounds of combat ensued and the tiger soon came leaping out of the pit, blood streaming from numerous wounds and ran tearing off into the forest. The black bear delightedly ate the rest of the goat at his leisure. This is one tough critter! Never-the-less, Asiatic black bears cover a large range and appear to vary significantly in temperament; the ones in Southeast Asia seem to be more even-tempered than the touchy, irritable ones in China and Japan. In some areas, they are even kept as pets. When they are not pissed-off at something, they show a gruff and self-confident playfulness and an engaging grizzly-like sense of humor. They have been heavily reduced by habitat loss, persecution campaigns (with their habits, they are rather less than beloved by Asians), and the poaching occasioned by the insatiable Asian appetite for bear products. They are threatened in many areas, but still common in others. There needs to be more serious efforts at conservation for this unusual animal, especially in Japan where they are still regarded as vermin. One interesting feature is that they often make nests for themselves high up in trees. These are readily visible in the fall after the leaves drop off.
