The Sun Bear’s name comes from the yellowish crescent shape on its chest, which many believe resembles a rising or setting sun; this crescent marking is as individual and unique as human fingerprints! 

They are the smallest of the world’s 8 bear species, but don’t let that fool you; they are powerful for their size, with a strong bite which can tear into trees. They have a distinctive pigeon-toed walk, which has evolved from living in the forest; moreover, their sense of smell is exceptional, considered to be several thousand times better than a human.

The Sun Bear likes to make its home in the branches of the trees. Their forward-facing eyes and strong paws - with hairless soles and 4 inch long claws - make them perfectly adapted for climbing. Whilst up high in the trees, they build a nest, which is used for resting and sun bathing during the day. However, in areas undisturbed by humans, Sun Bears are more likely to rest on the ground.

Though they are generally considered to be a solitary species, Sun Bears have been documented with others, engaging in gentle and rough play. During a recent study (2018/19), researchers at The University Of Portsmouth (UK) discovered that Sun Bears communicate through complex facial expressions - mimicking the expressions of others, using expressions as behavioural indicators (such as wanting to play), and for strengthening social bonds. 

Mimicking the facial expressions of others is one of the pillars of human communication; prior to this study, only great apes and humans were thought to have this ability. This discovery is of particular interest because, until now, it was widely believed that only animals with an evolutionary link to humans did this (bears do not have this link); furthermore, it means that Sun Bears are likely to have a more complex social system than originally thought.

Sun Bears are the only bear species known to go into season several times each year. Cubs are born hairless, blind, deaf, and unable to smell; they are completely dependent upon their mother for food, warmth, and protection. Mothers will sometimes walk upright, carrying their baby in their paws or mouth, to move them from place to place. Cubs begin to run and play at around 4-to-5 months, and are naturally weaned at around 18 months; however, they will stay with their mother for around 2 years, as she teaches them how to live and survive.

Sun Bears produce a variety of different vocalisations, including clucking (singling friendly intent); barks, growls, and roars (aggression), and squawking (distress). As cubs, they hum whilst nursing, and squawk or cry when they want their mother’s attention.

Despite living in a hot and humid climate, the Sun Bear’s short, sleek, dark brown coat is unusually thick and dense; it is thought that this protects them from sharp twigs, branches, falls, heavy rain, and predators. They also have extremely loose skin, which helps them to escape predators; should an attacker latch on from behind during a struggle, the bear is easily able to turn in its loose skin, enabling it to use its teeth and claws to defend itself. 

Sun Bears are omnivorous, which means, like humans, they will eat almost anything - from plants and fruit, to insects and meat; their strong jaws are even capable of cracking open coconuts! Sun Bears are known for having an exceptionally sweet tooth; to the point where, in certain areas, they are referred to as “Honey Bears”. They have an extremely long tongue, perfectly suited for getting honey, or accessing insects inside trees. 

Sadly, their sweet tooth has brought them into conflict with humans, as they are also attracted to oil palms and other commercial crops. If caught raiding commercial crops or palm oil plantations, Sun Bears are either killed, or captured and sold into the illegal pet trade. This, along with habitat destruction, are among the biggest threats to the Sun Bear’s survival. As the demand increases for land to be used commercially, the bears lose more of their natural habitat, and so are forced into unintentional human-bear conflicts.

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