This sun bear reflected the way I felt at the very last day of 2015. Glad I made it through and glad it was done and wanting nothing more than to sleep for about a week straight! I did what I set out to accomplish and that was getting a sketch in every day. It was a challenge to be sure, but one I’m glad I stuck with. I hope you all enjoyed them! So here’s to the last sketch of 2014…

Sun bears are native to tropical forests of southeast Asia. They are listed as Vulnerable mostly due to habitat loss. They have a voracious appetite for honey, but are omnivorous, eating bee larvae, honey, termite larvae, figs, small vertebrates (birds, eggs, reptiles, turtles, and deer to name a few), ants, and beetle larvae. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the sun bear is its long tongue, measuring 7.9-9.8 inches, which it uses to scoop out insects and honey. It also has very strong jaws, which it uses to break open tropical hardwood trees in search of insects, honey, and larvae. Sun bears are the smallest of bears, reaching 47–59 inches long and weighing between 60–176 pounds.

They do not hibernate since their food source is always available in the tropics. They’re usually solitary, except during mating season and mothers with their cubs. In captivity however, they are known to show social behavior. The main threats to the sun bear is deforestation and man. They are victims to illegal poaching and trade and are popular in Traditional  Chinese Medicine (TCM) for organs such as the gallbladder. Sun bears are one of three bear species targeted specifically for their bile and use in TCM. Bear bile is sold raw in vials, whole gallbladder or by the gram, flakes, powders, or in pill form. It can also be found in non-TCM products like soda, cough drops, and shampoo. Because of their smaller size, they are also popular for pet trade.