Asian Black Bear

Japan's Asian black bear is a medium-sized, black-coated bear, usually marked by a pale crescent on the chest. Adults measure about 110–130cm and weigh 40–130kg; the rounded ears and white chest mark help distinguish it from Hokkaido's larger brown bear (Japan Tourism Agency, Bear Information). In Japan it inhabits forest across Honshu and Shikoku, from rural foothills to high mountains (Japan Ministry of the Environment, black bear ecology guide).

Although taxonomically a carnivore, this bear feeds mainly on plants. Tender leaves and herbs dominate in spring, soft fruit and insects become important in summer, and beechnuts, acorns and other fruit are key autumn foods before denning (Japan Ministry of the Environment, black bear ecology guide). Bears are usually solitary and spend roughly four to five winter months in dens. The western Chugoku population is a Threatened Local Population (Japan MOE Red List 2020).