Sun Bear Adult
The Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear in the world, but it is also considered by many to be the fiercest. It is currently listed as endangered, mostly due to hunting. In many countries, bile from the gallbladders of Sun Bears is praised for its medicinal qualities, and their paws are used for soup. In some countries, Sun Bears are kept as pets.
Sun bears are only found in southeast Asia. They are extremely good climbers, often found in the treetops. Because of this, Sun Bears are known as “basindo nan tenggil” in Malay, which translates to “he who likes to sit high.” There is evidence to suggest that the bears spend a great deal of time in the treetops, even sleeping up high in the trees. They are nocturnal, resting and enjoying the sunlight during the day, and do not hibernate as other bears do and are active all year. As not much study has been done on these bears, no one is certain how many actually still exist in the wild.
The Sun Bear is named for the patch of fur on their chests which was once thought to resemble a rising or setting sun?
Sun Bear Baby
Sun Bears are complete omnivores. They have very long tongues that allow them to get to hard to reach honey and insects. They have been known to eat termites, birds, small animals, honey, and fruit, and, as their habitats decline and food become scarce, it is not unusual for a wild Sun Bear to raid commercial crops, such as oil palms.
Due to their decreased numbers and lack of information, not much is known about their breeding and reproductive patterns, unfortunately. It seems that they reach full sexual maturity at about three years in the female and four years in the male. There are many differing reports as to the gestational period for the Sun Bear. Nothing is known about their reproductive habits in the wild, but, in captivity, most Sun Bears give birth after a length of only 95-96 days. There doesn’t appear to be a peak mating season, as these bears seem to give birth throughout the year. They usually bear litters of two or three cubs, and these cubs are nursed until about 18 months of age, but they tend to stick with their mothers until they are fully mature and ready to mate.