The Sun Bear inhabits the forests of Southeast Asia. He is the smallest of the Bear species, weighing up to 80 kg. His preferred diet consists of insects and honey, which he uses his long tongue to extract. His large canines and strong bite allow him to rip into the trunks of trees in pursuit of insect prey. Diurnal in nature, he seeks cavities beneath branches or under tree trunks in which to spend the night. Deforestation is a major threat to his survival, but he is also hunted and farmed for his bile. His gall bladder is a component in traditional Chinese medicine. Bile farming is cruel, with the bears being forced to live in close confines, tubes draining his gall bladder of its bile, unable to move or behave in anyway naturally.
If you wish to know more about bear bile farming (and it is a very disturbing procedure) please visit:
Monga Bay: Asian Bear Farming (warning: graphic images)
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