In the vast reaches of the Himalayas, where the earth and the sky meet, there lives an animal that has long been considered a keystone species, an indicator that all is good with the world. An animal that plays a vital role in maintaining the stability of the ecosystem yet is highly elusive. An animal that I, David Attenborough, have never had the pleasure of meeting. Genus Ursus thibetanus laniger or more commonly known as the Himalayan Black Bear.

I have wandered the valleys of the eastern Himalayas for the better part of a fortnight in search of this secretive bear but to no avail. Not a scent, not a tuft, not a smidgeon of bear to be found. Is there something amiss with the world that this lover of acorns and honey cannot be found? I am seriously beginning to think that even here, in the most remote corner of the world, Man has disturbed the balance.

What I have found though is most peculiar. While exploring an ancient oak forest, I took a path that very faintly wound its way through the undergrowth. The deeper I progressed, the more my surroundings seemed to change. I suddenly realised that I was no longer in the Himalayan valleys of Bhutan but in a very strange Valley indeed.

All around me were peculiar plants and trees that seemed to glow with inner, magical energy. Plants and trees I had never laid eyes on. The sun was bright, the air moist and all around me were the sounds of life. I was completely entranced. Was this where I would find my elusive black bear?

Suddenly there was an almighty crash. The trees ahead of me toppled over. A pair of very strange rabbits ran towards me. They were wearing clothes and screaming at the top of their lungs “ It’s Lumra! Run away!” I was stunned. Did I suddenly gain the ability to understand Rabbit? I doubt it. As perplexing as that was, the sight that greeted my eyes took my breath away and stilled my heart.

Towering high above the running rabbits was a bear like no other. Her eyes glowed with an elemental, emerald green energy. Pine cones, branches and twigs sprouted from her enormous body. Her muzzle was a mask of sharp teeth. Long, razor-edged claws protruded from each paw. As she moved towards me, I noticed a shimmer in the air. The landscape was warping around her! Trees were sprouting, canopies were starting to form overhead, a new unrecognisable forest being born before my very eyes.

Naturally, being a biologist, I did the first thing that came to mind. “ I name you..Genus Growlus! No.. Furious Growlus!” Instinct suddenly blundered into my mind and I started running back the way I came. All around me the air was shimmering as the elemental magic of Lumra transformed my surroundings. I ran and ran and then I stopped.

I was back in the oak forest. No black bear but Lumra.