The sun bear is a small, short-haired bear of Southeast Asian rainforests. It spends much of its time in trees and plays an important role in spreading seeds and controlling termites.
Interesting facts
- Each sun bear has a unique yellow-orange crescent on its chest.
- Sun bears are excellent climbers and often sleep in trees.
- Studies show sun bears mimic each other’s facial expressions.
- Its loose skin lets it twist around and bite if grabbed from behind.
- It is also called the honey bear.
- Cubs are captured for the illegal pet trade, and bears are kept on farms for their bile.
Behaviour
Sun bears are mostly solitary and active by day in undisturbed forests. They rip open trees with powerful claws to reach insects and honey.
Breeding and young
Females give birth to one or two cubs in a hollow tree or log. Cubs stay with their mothers for about two years.
Threats and conservation
Deforestation, poaching for bile and body parts, and capture for the pet trade.
Where to see it
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok, Sabah
- Danum Valley, Sabah (rare in the wild)
- Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
- Free the Bears sanctuaries in Laos and Cambodia
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
