Animal Facts - Sun Bear
Sun Bear Appearance
The Sun Bear is the smallest of the bear species, and is about half the size of the American Black Bear.
Male Sun Bears are about 1.5 metres (5 feet) from head to tail and they weigh up to 70 kilograms (150 pounds). Females are slightly smaller, about 1.3 metres (4.5 feet) long and 45 kilograms (100 pounds).
The bears' small size and weight are good for climbing trees and moving around above the ground.
The Sun Bear’s coat is shorter and sleeker (glossier) than any of the other bears. Colours vary from deep black to brown-black, with the orange-yellow circle on the chest.
The hairs in the coat are short, thick and coarse. The short length keeps the bear from overheating in tropical weather, and the thickness and coarseness protect the animal from twigs, branches and rain.
Sun Bears have a short tail, only 5 centimetres (2 inches) long.
Their paws are large with hairless pads, and curved claws that are more than 10 centimetres (4 inches) long.
These help them climb trees and scratch and dig for food.
They have very strong jaws for crushing food too.
Sun Bears have a short, broad muzzle and a large head.
Their ears are round and small and their forehead is padded and wrinkly.
When the bears walk or stand on the ground, their feet turn inwards.
The Sloth Bear also has feet like this.
Sun Bears have a very long, thin tongue – 20-25 centimetres (8 to 10 inches), which is the longest of all the bear species.
