Sun Bear

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The Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear in the world.

It calls the tropical Southeast Asian states such as Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia home.

Because it lives in tropical areas, it has especially short hair. There is also the characteristic light color patch on the chest.

Population levels of the sun bear are unknown, and for that reason, many researchers believe they are endangered.

Sun Bears are also called honey bears because of their taste for honey.

© 2004 Patricia A. Michaels.