Which bear species is the smallest living bear?

The sun bear is the smallest living bear species.

Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, the sun bear is scientifically named Helarctos malayanus. It is the only living species in its genus and is built for climbing and foraging in warm forest habitats, with powerful forelimbs, large paws and strongly curved claws.

Sun bears are usually black with a distinctive orange, cream or yellowish chest patch. The patch varies in shape and may be U-shaped, circular or even absent. Their short, sleek fur helps them cope with a tropical climate, while their long tongues can reach honey and insects hidden inside trees.

The species is small compared with other bears, but “smallest” does not mean harmless. Sun bears are strong climbers and can defend themselves with their claws and teeth. Their diet includes fruit, termites, bees, beetle larvae and honey, which explains the nickname “honey bear.”

A frequent mix-up is the sloth bear, another relatively small Asian bear. The sloth bear is specialized for feeding on termites and ants, but it is larger overall than the sun bear.