What even is a sun bear?

Yes, the sun bear is a real bear.
 By 
Mark Kaufman
 and  Warren Shaw  on 
Is the Sun Bear Real?
Watch Next

Folks, the sun bear is real!


The viral animal is a sun bear, Helarctos malayanus, that naturally lives in the warm tropical forests of Southeast Asia, though the species is found in zoos around the world, too. In a snippet of a video shot at the Hangzhou Zoo in China, one, with some imagination, might mistake the standing bear for a costumed park employee tolerating extreme summer heat inside a bear exhibit (which would be an absolutely terrible summer job). Rest assured, it's a bear, though the smallest bear in the world at about half the size of a black bear.

Topics Animals

Mashable Image
Mark Kaufman
Science Editor

Mark was the science editor at Mashable. After working as a ranger with the National Park Service, he started a reporting career after seeing the extraordinary value in educating people about the happenings on Earth, and beyond.

He's descended 2,500 feet into the ocean depths in search of the sixgill shark, ventured into the halls of top R&D laboratories, and interviewed some of the most fascinating scientists in the world.


Latest Videos

Stephen Colbert reacts to the Artemis II moon mission
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, gesturing.


'The Daily Show' reacts to judge halting Trump's White House ballroom
Desi Lydic presents "The Daily Show" beside an image of Donald Trump.


A24's 'Mother Mary' trailer is worth it for the FKA twigs track
Anne Hathway is dressed in a red pop star outfit with religious overtones in a film still from "Mother Mary."

Jon Stewart has a brutal reaction to Trump waffling about pens
A man in a suit sitting behind a talk show desk looks angry. In the top left is an image of the president holding up a pen.

Stephen Colbert gleefully recaps the best signs at the 'No Kings' protest
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, smiling. The caption at the bottom reads, "I like that one."

Riz Ahmed is troublingly intense in new 'SNL UK' promo
A close-up of a man grinning in a slightly creepy way.


The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!