kids encyclopedia robot

Himalayan Brown Bear facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Ursus arctos isabellinus (in Perm Zoo)
Himalayan Brown Bear

The Himalayan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) is a special type of brown bear. It lives in the high mountains of the Himalayas. These bears often have sandy or reddish-brown fur. They are found in places like Nepal, India, and Pakistan.

Sometimes, people have even mistaken these bears for the legendary Yeti! The Yeti is a famous ape-like creature from Himalayan stories.

About the Himalayan Brown Bear

Himalayan brown bears are the largest animals in the Himalayas. Male bears are bigger than females. Males can be from 1.5 to 2.2 meters (5 to 7 feet 3 inches) long. Females are a bit smaller, from 1.37 to 1.83 meters (4 feet 6 inches to 6 feet) long. Their fur is usually sandy or reddish-brown.

Where Himalayan Brown Bears Live

These bears live in several countries across Asia. You can find them in Nepal, western China, northern India, northern Pakistan, and southeastern Kazakhstan. Sadly, it is thought that they might already be gone from Bhutan.

Scientists have also found that the rare Gobi bear is very similar to the Himalayan brown bear. The Gobi bear might be a small group of these bears living in a different area.

Bear Behavior and Life Cycle

Himalayan brown bears take a long nap during the colder months. This is called hibernation. They usually go into hibernation around October. They then wake up and come out of their dens in April or May. They make their dens in caves or other safe spots.

Two Cubs playing with Mother Himalayan Brown Bear
Himalayan brown bear with cubs on the trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh in Uttarakhand, India.

What Himalayan Brown Bears Eat

Himalayan brown bears are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. They enjoy eating grasses, roots, and other plants. They also eat insects and small mammals. Fruits and berries are a favorite treat for them.

Sometimes, these bears will hunt larger animals. This includes sheep and goats. Adult bears usually eat twice a day. They will eat once before the sun rises and again in the afternoon.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Oso pardo del Himalaya para niños

kids search engine
Himalayan Brown Bear Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.