How big is a sun bear? An adult sun bear is 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) long and weighs 60 to 150 pounds (27 to 68 kg). That makes it the smallest bear species on Earth.
Don’t let the small frame fool you. This bear has a tongue nearly 10 inches long and claws built for climbing. Below, you’ll get the exact numbers, how they compare with other animals, and why the small body works so well.
Sun Bear Size Chart
| Measure | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4 to 5 ft | 1.2 to 1.5 m |
| Shoulder height | About 27 in | About 70 cm |
| Weight | 60 to 150 lb | 27 to 68 kg |
| Tail | 1 to 3 in | 3 to 7 cm |
Sun Bear Height
How tall is a sun bear? On all fours, it stands about 27 inches at the shoulder. On its hind legs, it reaches roughly 4 to 5 feet. That is shorter than most adult humans.
Sun Bear Length
How long is a sun bear? Its body runs 4 to 5 feet from nose to rump. The tail is tiny, so it adds almost nothing.
Sun Bear Weight
How much does a sun bear weigh? Most adults land between 60 and 150 pounds. Bears near 150 pounds are on the heavy end.
Male vs. Female Sun Bear Size
Males are a bit larger than females. The gap is small, often around 10 to 20 percent. Both sexes carry the same golden chest patch, which is unique to each bear.
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Sun Bear Size Comparison With Other Animals
Sun Bear vs. American Black Bear Size
A black bear is usually about twice as heavy as a sun bear. Most sources say the sun bear is roughly half its size.
Sun Bear vs. Sloth Bear Size
The sloth bear also lives in Asia. It is longer and heavier, often by a wide margin.
Sun Bear vs. Brown Bear and Grizzly Size
A grizzly can weigh five times more. Big coastal brown bears can pass 1,000 pounds.
Sun Bear vs. Polar Bear Size
The polar bear is the largest land carnivore. A big male can outweigh ten sun bears.
Sun Bear vs. Giant Panda Size
Here is a surprise. A panda is about the same length, but it is often two to three times heavier.
Sun Bear vs. an Adult Human
The average US adult man weighs about 200 pounds. A sun bear at its heaviest is lighter than that. Standing, it is shorter than most adults.
Sun Bear vs. a Large Dog
A Labrador weighs 55 to 80 pounds. A big sun bear can be twice that. Its short face also earns it the nickname “dog-face bear.”
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Sun Bear Size From Cub to Adult
Sun Bear Cub Size at Birth
How big is a baby sun bear? A newborn weighs only about 10 to 12 ounces (around 300 g). It is hairless, blind, and helpless. Pregnancy lasts roughly 95 to 100 days, and females have one or two cubs.
How Fast Do Sun Bears Grow?
Cubs run and play by 4 to 5 months. They stop nursing at about 18 months. Most stay with their mother for around two years.
When Is a Sun Bear Fully Grown?
Sun bears reach sexual maturity at about 3 to 5 years. Full adult size follows soon after. In the wild, they live up to 25 years. Zoo bears often weigh more, since food is steady.
How Sun Bear Size Helps Them Survive
Built Small for Life in the Trees
Sun bears are the most tree-loving bears. A light body lets them climb high. They nap and sunbathe on branches 7 to 23 feet up. Their sickle-shaped claws and inward-turned front feet grip bark well.
The 10-Inch Tongue and Other Proportions
The tongue is nearly 10 inches long. It reaches deep into hives and logs for honey, termites, and bees. A small bear needs a lot of food. Its loose skin and thick fur also protect it from stings.
Does Small Size Affect Their Safety?
Small size does not protect them from people. Sun bears are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. WWF reports their numbers fell over 30% in about 30 years. The main threats are deforestation, hunting for gallbladders, and the pet trade. Sun bears also spread seeds, so losing them harms the forest.
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FAQ’s About Sun Bear Size
How big is a sun bear?
An adult is 4 to 5 feet long and weighs 60 to 150 pounds. It is the smallest bear in the world.
How tall is a sun bear?
It stands about 27 inches at the shoulder. On hind legs, it reaches roughly 4 to 5 feet.
How much does a sun bear weigh?
Most weigh 60 to 150 pounds (27 to 68 kg). Males are slightly heavier than females.
Are sun bears the smallest bears in the world?
Yes. They are about half the size of an American black bear. No other bear species is smaller.
Are sun bears dangerous to humans because of their size?
They are shy and usually avoid people. They can attack if cornered or guarding cubs, and their claws are strong.
How big is a baby sun bear?
A newborn weighs about 10 to 12 ounces. It is hairless and helpless. Cubs run and play by 4 to 5 months.
How long is a sun bear’s tongue?
It is nearly 10 inches long. Sun bears use it to pull honey and insects from deep spaces.
Are sun bears bigger than dogs?
A large adult can weigh twice as much as a Labrador. It is still far smaller than other bears.
I’m Ethan Parker, a writer focused on animals and wildlife. I share simple, useful facts about animal size, behavior, habitats, and unique traits.
