Wildlifeof Vietnam
Sun Bear
Bears, Dogs & Otters
Photo: Mike Gordon — wildlifeofeverywhere.com · Project photograph
Helarctos malayanus
Rare visitor: recorded only occasionally in this country
Basic stats
Habitat
Tropical forest
Range
North-east India south through Bangladesh and mainland Southeast Asia to Indonesia
Litter size
1–2 cubs
Size
Head and body 100–140cm; shoulder about 70cm
Weight
25–65kg
The sun bear is the smallest bear, standing nearly 70 cm at the shoulder and weighing 25–65 kg, with a head and body length of 100–140 cm. It is stockily built, with large paws, strongly curved claws, small rounded ears and a short snout that is grey, silver or orange. The fur is short and generally jet black, and the name comes from the orange to cream crescent-shaped patch on the chest (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is the most arboreal of the bears, with inward-turned front feet and large claws for climbing, and it sunbathes or sleeps in trees 2–7 m above the ground. It is mainly active by day, though it forages mostly at night where people are about. It is usually solitary, breeds throughout the year, and a litter is one or two cubs that stay with the mother for around three years.
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Sun Bear live in?
- Tropical forest
- Where is the Sun Bear found?
- North-east India south through Bangladesh and mainland Southeast Asia to Indonesia
- What is the litter size of the Sun Bear?
- 1–2 cubs
- How big is the Sun Bear?
- Head and body 100–140cm; shoulder about 70cm
- How much does the Sun Bear weigh?
- 25–65kg