The Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) also called the Honey Bear, is known as the smallest bear species. It is named the “Sun bear” due to the sun-like golden crescent shape patch which can be seen on it’s chest.The Sun Bear can grow up to 120cm-150cm in length and can weigh up to 35-80kg.
Photo used under Creative Commons from nathaninsandiego
Despite their small size, the Sun Bear can be rather dangerous. As residents of the rain forests, they are known as skilful in climbing trees using their long claws which can grow up to 6 inches long. They spend considerable amount of time in the trees as they usually sleep and sunbathe on the nests they built on the trees. They are nocturnal as well hence they usually relax throughout the day.
The sun bear do not have good eyesight and hence they rely heavily on their sense of smell. They tend to stand on their hind legs to look further distances or when they sense potential threat coming towards them. They have rather short black furs which are dense and can repel rain, mud, and other debris effectively. They are also known to have very long and narrow tongues to help them in getting honey (hence the name ‘Honey bear’) from hives and insects in the hollows of the trees.