Found from southern China to eastern India and as far south as Indonesia, sun bears, also called Malayan sun bears, take their name from the bib-shaped golden or white patch on their chest, which legend says represents the rising sun. They have a stocky, muscular build, small ears, and a short muzzle, which has earned them the nickname “dog bear.” Their sleek, black coat is short to avoid overheating in the tropical weather but thick and coarse to provide protection from twigs, branches, and rain.
The Sun Bear has the longest tongue of all bear species – 8 to 10 inches long.If the Sun Bear is grabbed or bitten around its head, it can turn round inside the wrinkly skin on its head and bite the predator.Sun bear is also known as “Dog Bear” due to its glossy fur, short snout, and small size.They bark to scare away predators and to declare territory.A sun bear claws grow throughout its lifetime and the length of its claws can recognize the age of 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 recognized by their short black fur, small round ears, bowed front legs and cream colored 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.
Here are five interesting facts about them:
- They are the smallest species of bear, standing up to 150 cm tall and weighing up to 65 kg. Males are slightly larger than females.
- They get their name from the shape that is found on their chest which according to legend looks like the rising sun.
- They have loose skin on the back of the neck, so that if attacked it can turn around and bite back at their attackers.
- Malayan sun bears are omnivores and mainly eat ants, termites, honey and fruit. They have very long claws that are good for climbing trees and breaking into ant’s nests. They also have a very long tongue.
- They live in forests throughout south east Asia, including India, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra and of course, Malaysia. They are vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and hunting.