Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Scientific Name: Helarctos malayanus

Range: China, Burma, Malaysia, Sumatra, Laos, Cambodia, Viet Nam, Borneo

Habitat: Lowland tropical forest

Diet: Wild: Wild bees, insect larvae, termites, small rodents, parts of coconut palm. Zoo: Dog biscuits protein plus, fruits and vegetables (no meat)

Gestation: 96 days

Litter: 1 or 2

Description: Local people refer to it as the 'dog bear.' Weight can range from 60 to 145 pounds, with males being slightly larger. The short haired, deep black or brown-black fur has a horseshoe shaped marking on the chest of pale orange yellow. It is the smallest of the bears, and one of the two species found south of the equator (the other is the spectacled bear of South America).The sun bear is active at night, usually sleeping and sunbathing by day in a tree, 2 to 7 meters above the ground. Branches are broken and bent to form a nest and lookout post. Skillful climbers, they depend on their ability to get at their food. They are cautious, wary, and intelligent. Sometimes they cause a lot of damage to coconut palm and cocoa plantations. They have a curious gait, in that all the legs are turned inward while walking. Usually shy and retiring, they do not hibernate. Sun bears are listed on Appendix I of CITES. Habitat loss is their main threat to survival, as well as the pet trade, poaching for food, fur and the Asian medicinal trade.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the Bear & Tiger Exhibits at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.