The Tibetan blue bear is one of the rarest bear subspecies in the world. It is also known as the Tibetan brown bear, Horse bear, Himalayan blue bear, Himalayan snow bear, yak dhom (yak bear), and iha dhom (mountain bear). This brown bear subspecies Ursus arctos pruinosus was first classified in 1854 by English zoologist Edward Blyth. It is thought by some to be the source of the legendary yeti.

HABITAT
The Tibetan blue bear is found in the alpine regions of eastern Tibet, western China, Nepal, and seldom in Bhutan. It is known to live in high altitudes close to the tree line. Human settlement has caused a great reduction in the bears' habitat and decline in its number.

CHARACTERISTICS
Tibetan blue bears are black, often having a tinge of blue which is how its name derived. They often have a beigish collar and chest. It is common for their face to be a reddish yellow. Young bears are usually paler in color. A full grown male is 6 to 7 feet in length. Its shoulder width is roughly 3 feet.

STATUS
Because of the Tibetan bear's rarity, its actual status is not known. It has been listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a protected species. It is believed by many to be extinct in the wild.