This is what 213 severed bear paws looks like

In May, Chinese officials recovered more than 200 severed bear paws that were allegedly being smuggled in from Russia. (A small portion of them are pictured above.) Officials estimate the haul would have been worth about $460,000 on China's black market. It turns out that May isn't the "normal" bear-paw-smuggling season, as the heat can cause the goods to rot quickly. Yes, the bootlegged items are so popular in Asia that border officials know when during the year to keep an eye out.

The bear-paw-as-delicacy phenomenon dates back to China's Shang dynasty (1570 to 1045 B.C.) and its last ruler, King Zhou, who was known to enjoy a paw or two. Elaine Sciolino at The New York Times stumbled upon a simple recipe from the era that calls for:

Today, bear parts are in high demand at black markets throughout Asia. The prized organs and extremities have reportedly been used in medicine to cure anything from sexual impotency to a fever. On the dining table, bear paws are used in soup and have even been known to get turned into ash trays.

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Bear claws and medicine are displayed on a table in Kyaiktyo, Myanmar. (Frans Lemmens/Corbis)