<p>Understanding dietary patterns is crucial in landscapes where wildlife increasingly relies on both natural and human-derived food resources. This study examined seasonal dietary patterns of Himalayan brown bears (<i>Ursus arctos isabellinus</i>) in Lahaul Valley, India, where crop depredation by brown bears has increased alarmingly in recent years. Based on 253 scat samples collected between May to November during 2018–2022, diet composition was analysed using frequency of occurrence (FO) and estimated dietary energy content (EDEC). Significant seasonal variation was observed in most of the food items. Plant matter predominantly constituted the diet during both post-hibernation (FO = 62%) and pre-hibernation period (FO = 55%). However, the contribution of anthropogenic foods increased notably from (FO = 22%) in post-hibernation to (FO = 30%) during pre-hibernation. In terms of dietary energy intake, natural vegetation was primary source during post-hibernation (EDEC = 66%), whereas anthropogenic foods provided main source of energy during pre-hibernation period (EDEC = 69%). Among diverse dietary items, post-hibernation diet was dominated by graminoids, forbs, and berries, with notable consumption of anthropogenic foods, whereas graminoids and horticultural crops were more prevalent during pre-hibernation period. Horticultural crops emerged as primary source of dietary energy during pre-hibernation (EDEC = 68%), while berries contributed highest dietary energy during post-hibernation (EDEC = 33%). Results showed significant seasonal variation in diet composition. Cliff’s delta further confirmed increased consumption of graminoids and forbs during post-hibernation, and a dietary shift toward horticultural crops in pre-hibernation. Our findings highlight growing reliance on anthropogenic foods which led to escalating human-bear conflict. We therefore recommend implementing the proposed integrated mitigation strategies to reduce human-brown bears conflict to ensure long-term coexistence.</p>