Sun Bear Facts:

Scientific Name: Helarctos malayanus

Height: 120-150 cm (total length)

Lifespan: up to 30 years (in captivity)

Gestation period: 90-174 days

Hibernation period: Sun Bears do not hibernate

Mass: 27-80 kg (males are 10-20% heavier than females)

More about Sun Bears:

Sun bears can be found in tropical forests in Southeast Asia. As a result of deforestation in the area, the populations of the bears has significantly decreased by over 30% in the last 3 bear generations.

Sun bears are recognised by their short black fur, small round ears, bowed front legs and cream coloured curved claws. They are particularly aggressive when surprised in the wild. This bear is often referred to as the “honey bear” due to its insatiable appetite for honeycombs and honey. They are the smallest of all bears.

Sun Bear Facts & Tidbits:

• Sun bears feed on bees, beehives, honey, termites, ants, beetle larvae, figs and other fruits.
• These bears can extend their tongues up to 25 cm to extract honey and insects.
• Commercial hunting and poaching remain the biggest threat to these bears.
• They are solitary animals, except for females and their young.
• The killing of these bears is prohibited under national laws that support wildlife protection. These laws, however, are rarely enforced.
• The morphology of these bears is thought to be the result evolution for extensive climbing.

Prefer to watch and learn more about Sun Bears? Check out this Smithsonian video:

< For more general info on bears, and the best in-the-wild experiences >

Distribution

Sun bears are found in Southeast Asia, particularly in northeastern India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia.

Status

IUCN Status: Vulnerable due to deforestation, illegal poaching and the Asian bile trades.