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Sun Bear

WILDLIFE

Named after the crest on their chests, sun bears are the smallest of the bear species and are totally unique in that as well as being adapted to jungle living, they are completely tree-dwelling. These bears are so rarely seen in the wild, that little is known about exactly how many are left in the wild, but we do know they are drastically decreasing along with their habitat.

Where do Sun Bears Live?

Sun bears live in wooded areas of Borneo and Southeast Asia.

When is the best time to see Sun Bears?

March and April is when the sun bears become more active in search of food but you can observe sun bears all year round at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center.

St Borneo Sun Bear Credit Lillian Tveit
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WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE SUN BEARS?


Bornean sun bears are extremely rare, and as such, you are unlikely to see them in the wild.

We have access to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) where you can support conservation efforts, and see these adorable animals in a natural environment. The only conservation centre for sun bears in the world; they provide care for rescued bears and aim to increase awareness of them across the globe. At the centre you can see these inquisitive animals up close and watch on as they play, feed, fight and interact with each other.

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The Sun Bear

  • CONSERVATION STATUS: Sun bears are considered vulnerable, but there is no real count on how many remain in the wild. Dues to being so small, they are often poached for the illegal pet trade. Growing human development means that sun bears are now being found in just a handful of isolated habitats.
  • HABITAT: They nest high in the trees of the thick jungle.
  • Males can grow up to 3.9 feet in length, when standing on their hind legs.
  • Sun bears have long tongues that can reach up to 25 centimetres; it is used to extract grubs and honey.
  • They have short, sleek, glossy coats, a light coloured face and short muzzle. Their long claws help them climb and break hollow logs in search of termites, they also have strong teeth which have been seen helping to haul them up large trunks.
  • Strangely, these bears which are thought to be diurnal, have been seen adapting more nocturnal behaviours to avoid human confrontation.