These photos show the two different species of bear in Lao PDR, Sun Bear (first) and the larger Asian Black Bear (below). Bears are largely hunted from the wild for the liquid in their gall bladder called ‘bile’, which is believed to have medicinal qualities or for sale of other body parts. Mother bears are killed and cubs are sold and caged in ‘bear farms’ where the gall bladder is penetrated with a tube for regular collection of bile. Bear farms promote illegal harvest of bears from the wild to supply the farm. [Nam Et-Phou Louey; protected species]
