The Malaysian Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest of the world’s eight types of bears. It is shy and is found in the tropical rainforests of the Malay Peninsula in Malaysia.

It has black fur, and is called Sun Bear because it has a yellow crest on its chest. It has small ears and a short nose.

It is an omnivorous mammal, and can grow to 1.2 metres (4 feet) tall.

Malaysian Sun Bears  are arboreal and often sleep in trees.

They are nocturnal (active during the night) and therefore they usually sleep during the day.

The Malaysian Sun Bear has a long tongue for eating termites, ants, beetles, bees, other insects, honey, and fruit.

Mother bears are called sows. Sows are pregnant for 96-100 days and give birth to two blind babies (this is called altricial). The mother feeds her cubs milk for four months, but they stay with their mother for about two years.

They live for about 25 years.

Malaysian Sun Bear

Malaysian Sun Bear

Malaysian Sun Bear

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM