Sun Bear Facts
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The Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus), the world's smallest bear, inhabits the tropical forests of Southeast Asian states such as Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Measuring about four and one-half feet tall and weighing about one hundred and fifty pounds, the Malayan Sun Bear can be twice as short and ninety per cent lighter than the world's largest bear, the Polar Bear.
The bear's short hair, an artifact of living in the tropics, is highlighted by a light color patch on the chest.
The year round availability of food in the tropics makes the Sun Bear one of the non-hibernating bear species.
Lack of research leads to competing behavioral claims. It could very well be the case that Sun Bears are an adaptable species, with some individuals being diurnal, others being nocturnal, depending on the environment. They are known to den in hollow logs on the ground as well as in tree built nests.
They are omnivores that forage for fruit and insects, their foods of choice. Like other bears, they do not pass up an opportunity to break open a honeycomb to consume its contents.
Their nose for fruit puts them in conflict with local orchard owners.
Population levels of the sun bear are unknown, and for that reason, many researchers believe they are endangered. Along with habitat loss, their paws and gall bladders are still considered prized materials in the Asian food and traditional medicine markets.
© 2004-2010 Patricia A. Michaels.