Keepers chose the name Kyra, which means ‘sun goddess ,’ for the cub. Sun Bears are the smallest of the world’s eight species of Bear and are listed as Vulnerable to Extinction on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
What is a sun bear?
Sun bears are named for the golden patches of fur on their chests , which some people say resemble a rising sun. While their tongues may be extra-big, sun bears are actually the smallest bear species. Males grow about 5 feet long and weigh up to 150 pounds—that’s about half the size of an adult American black bear.
What are sun bear babies called?
How do sun bears give birth? Sun bears don’t appear to have a defined breeding season and generally give birth to one cub. Cubs are born in dens or in hollow trees and are blind and helpless at first.
Do sun bears have babies?
Reproduction. Little is known about the social life of these bears, but there is some evidence that suggests they may be monogamous. Mother bears, called sows, make ground nests and give birth to one or two blind , helpless babies that weigh about 11 ounces.
Is a sun bear a sloth?
A sun bear. Eight different species of bear currently exist, and most inhabit parts of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia. The eight extant species of bear are the sun bear, sloth bear, Asian black bear, giant panda, spectacled bear, American black bear, brown bear, and polar bear.
Why do sun bears look weird?
Scientists think the majority of social interaction the bears see is during mating season and while females raise their cubs, who stick together with mom for two years or more. ... Many thought the marking—which is unique to each bear, like a fingerprint—looked like the rising sun, earning the ursine icon it’s common name.
Why do sun bears look like humans?
These bears mimic each other’s faces as well as people do. The world’s smallest bears have a social skill set previously thought limited to apes and dogs, and there may be more species like them. In social interactions, our faces can become like mirrors, reflecting subtle expressions back at our conversation partner.
What eats a sun bear?
What are some predators of Sun Bears? Predators of Sun Bears include tigers, snakes, and birds of prey .
Are sun bears aggressive?
Sun bears are known to be very aggressive and may attack without apparent provocation. ... Sun bears are classed as vulnerable and the population is almost certainly decreasing due to habitat loss, poaching and the taking of cubs as pets.
Are sun bears smart?
Sun bears are VERY smart .
Sun bears are very intelligent animals! They use complex facial movements as a form of communication, they are able to memorize where things are, and they use all of their strength, sense of smell, flexibility, and physical attributes to their utmost advantage.
Do sun bears eat humans?
Sun Bears And People
Sun Bears mainly want to avoid humans as much as possible. They are hunted heavily by humans within south-east Asia, and their habitats are constantly being destroyed. However, Sun Bears can attack humans .
How long does a sun bear live?
Lifespan in captivity is generally over 20 years ; one individual lived for nearly 31 years.
How long is a sun bear pregnant?
A mother sun bear can reproduce year-round, but usually only becomes pregnant once a year. This is because the gestation period in a female sun bear ranges anywhere from 95 to 240 days (3 months to 9 months), which is considerably less then humans (Biological Conservation).
What is the least aggressive bear?
Probably one of the least aggressive is the American black bear . What are some reasons why bears attack humans? Typically, you see two types of attacks on humans. One is a defensive attack, which most typically involves defending young or a food source, such as a prey carcass.
Can you own a sun bear?
No, no one can keep a sun bear as pet ! ... In addition, there are international laws like CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) prohibit any illegal trade of sun bears and their parts between countries. In short, YOU CANNOT OWN A SUN BEAR AS PET!
What’s the difference between a sun bear and a moon bear?
Description: The sun bear, which is the smallest of the living bear species, can be identified by its short, sleek coat and light-colored muzzle. ... Thus the two species are commonly called moon bears and sun bears. Adult males weigh between 60 and 110 pounds (27-50 kg.) while females are just slightly smaller .
