Which nocturnal mammal is known as the 'honey bear'?

The kinkajou is the nocturnal mammal known as the “honey bear.”

The kinkajou, Potos flavus, is a tree-dwelling member of the raccoon family found in tropical forests from Mexico through Central and South America. It is mostly active at night and spends much of its life in the forest canopy.

The nickname “honey bear” refers to the animal’s fondness for sweet foods, especially honey in captivity, and its bear-like appearance. In the wild, kinkajous mainly eat fruit, but they also consume nectar, flowers, insects, and occasionally other small foods. The name is not a sign of close relationship to bears; kinkajous are procyonids.

Kinkajous are especially adapted for climbing. Their tails are fully prehensile and can help stabilize them on branches, while their ankles can rotate considerably, allowing them to descend tree trunks headfirst. Their rounded faces and nocturnal habits can lead people to confuse them with several other rainforest mammals, including coatis and ringtails.