DAILY MAIL
They are smarter than your average bear.
As the smallest of the bear family, sun bears are often not remarked for their size, but are more well known for their above average intelligence.
Experts told MailOnline that the animals are ‘incredibly clever’ as they are able to remember the locations of food and mimic each other’s facial expressions to communicate.
And while they have no special evolutionary link to any primates, their ability to stand up right and unusually straight limbs can trick some into believing they are more human-like than they really are.
It therefore comes as no surprise that the behaviour and looks of one sun bear in China have left people around the world debating whether she really is a bear or a person in a costume.
Kim Vaughan, Section Leader of Primates and Small Mammals at Paradise Wildlife Park told MailOnline: ‘All ursids [members of the bear family] can stand due to their strong physique.
‘Their limbs are straighter unlike terrestrial carnivores, Plantigrades disturb their weight to their back feet which provides excellent balance and standing.
‘Sun bears are incredibly clever, they can remember locations of food and have complex facial expressions to communicate.’
The creatures will often stand up right for a greater view of their surroundings or to help them smell far-off objects. Like other bears it can also be a defence behaviour to protect their territory.
Ironically, sun bears are nocturnal creatures and instead get their name from the yellow cresecent shape on their chest, which is said to resemble a setting sun.
The species is also known as the ‘honey bear’ due to its love for honey – which it extracts by using its long tongue.
They are found living in forests across Southeast Asia, from southern China to eastern India and as far south as Indonesia, and while they are playful with other sun bears they are largely solitary animals.
Sun bears are omnivores and eat a mixture of fruits, berries and roots as well as instects, small birds and lizards.
