Most wildlife-trade dealers in Möng La keep a few bears in small cages outside their homes, says photographer Karl Ammann, who took this photograph in December 2006. Most of the captive animals are sun bears, according to Ammann.

The animals are often eaten—one buyer paid U.S. $150 for four bear paws to be used in soup, Ammann said.

In a 2007 trip to the region, Ammann also found dozens of bears locked in cages for sale at the Chinese border.

"These bears are mostly used for meat and are electrocuted when a dealer comes along and buys a bear for a banquet in China," he said.

• More Photos in the News
• Today's Top 15 Most Popular Stories
• Free Email Newsletter: "Focus on Photography"