The brown bear of the Himalayas varies notably in size and color, which generally appears as sandy or reddish-brown.

There is a conspicuous hump of longer hairs over the shoulders but no noticeable ruff of longer fur on the neck. The ears are small and rounded, and the lips are noticeably protruding and mobile. The brown bear’s habitat includes temperate grasslands, alpine meadows, sub-alpine scrub zones and areas above the tree line.

In Pakistan, the recently known localities of brown bear’s existence include the following: Deosai National Park, Lalazar, Kabkot, Sadpara, Khunjerab National Park, and Ascoli. Primary threats to the populations of the brown bear include a disturbance in the habitat, being considered enemy species, killing for thrill, and hunting for regional/international trade and medicine.

Due to the rapid decline in its numbers in Pakistan, the brown bear has been declared critically endangered. Strict law enforcement, public education, awareness about this important species and effective implementation of existing policies are required for the conservation and long-term survival of this species.