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If one were to take all the bear species and put them in a line, the sun bears would undoubtedly stand out from the crowd. Though they might be the smallest, their ability to move, and even walk in a way that almost looks human-like gives them a humorous way about them. But let’s dive into what makes the sun bears so unique.
Sun bears live throughout Southeast Asia. (Bangladesh; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Thailand; Viet Nam)
They are known by many names, but locals refer to them as ‘basindo nan tenggil’, which means “he who likes to sit high”. Wonder why? They spend much of their time sitting high up in the tree branches, building nests for resting, or even sunbathing during the day.
Sun bears are GREAT at climbing, thanks to their long, sharp claws. Just one of their tools to help them get the perfect snack or meal.
From their long claws, strong jaws, sharp teeth, and LONG tongue, sun bears have all the tools they need to find their favorite foods. So what do they eat? Sun bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals. They will scavenge for fruits, berries, roots, insects, small birds, lizards, and rodents.
That’s right, they have long tongues, I know. I know. This one took me for a surprise too. I mean look at this:
So great.
They use these long tongues for getting food in small spaces, like between trees or even hunting for something sweet… Honey. That’s right! You’re also lookin’ at a Winnie the Pooh kinda bear.
Ironically, sun bears are nocturnal. Meaning they are most active at night. Looking for food, climbing, and just doing bear stuff. But the yellow/white crest on their chest and the fact that they LOVE sunbathing (which I mean, who doesn’t?!) are why they got the name Sun Bear.
They are also known as dog bear, honey bear, Malaysia sun bear, and basindo nan tenggil.
There are 8 bear species in the world, and the sun bear is the smallest. Weighing in at 150 lbs and 5 feet tall (on average), sun bears are about half the size of the American Black Bear.
Their small stature helps them climb and get around, especially during fights. When in a fight or getting attacked by a predator, they can rotate due to their loose skin and attack or get away from a bite.
Sun bears don’t hibernate since they live in such warm climates, there is no need to. So there is also no particular breeding season either. When their cubs are born, they are hairless and defenseless. They depend on their mothers for warmth, food, and protection. Around 4 to 5 months they will start running around and playing, sticking with their mothers for about two years to learn all the ways of a bear’s life.
Due to the illegal wild trade and habitat destruction, sun bears are vulnerable and even extinct in some areas. Thanks to groups like Free the Bears, sun bears (and other bear species) are rescued, provided food and protection that would otherwise not make it. Click here to learn more about their work and how you can help!
You are the best! Thank you so much for sharing! ❤️