Helarctos Malaynus
The smallest of all bears, sun bears may have been named for the yellowish patch of fur on their throat or because they sunbathe during the day.
The naked soles of their feet assist in tree climbing. Their long toe nails are used to dig trees and termite mounds in search of insects and larvae.
Fun Facts
- They are the smallest species of bear.
- Sun bears are often referred to as a honey bear.
- Their tongues can grow to be up to 25cm in length!
- Heliana, our sun bear, enjoys using her massive claws to burst open her favorite foods - like watermelon and even coconuts.
Classification
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Ursidae
Genus: Helarctos
Species: H. Malayanus
Habitat
Sun bears resides in Southeast Asia as far west as eastern India, as far north as southern China and as far south as Indonesia. Their habitat is tropical forest and the type they live in depends on the geographic location. In Borneo, Sumatra and peninsular Malaysia, they occur in tropical evergreen rainforest that consistently receives high rainfall throughout the year. However, on mainland Southeast Asia they can be found in seasonal forests that experience a long dry season.