The Formosan black bear (or Ursus thibetanus formosanus) is a subspecies of the Asiatic black bear that’s endemic to Taiwan. They have a stocky build with black fur, rounded ears and a long straight snout; plus their most characteristic and distinct visual feature, which is a V-shaped white patch on their chest. The Formosan black bears are sexually dimorphic; in this case the males are much larger than females. The former weigh and measure an average of 135kg and 1.7m, and the latter average 70kg and 1.35m.
Latin Name
Ursus thibetanus formosanus
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Animal Facts
Formosan black bears are also known as 'moon bears' due to the crescent-shaped white patch on their chests.
Unlike other black bear subspecies, Formosan black bears do not hibernate in the winter.
The movement of black bears can appear clumsy and slow, but they can run at 25mph when they want to. They are also good swimmers and can catch fish.
Formosan black bears are good climbers and may spend up to half their time in trees. Pregnant females often make their dens in hollow trees.