Smallest of the bear family, length about 4.5 feet. Height at shoulder of 2 feet. Two-inch tail not easily seen. Weight 60-140 pounds. Coloration of sleek black fur with yellow crescent-shaped breast mark, grayish or orange shortened muzzle.
Feet are large with strongly curved claws and naked soles.
The ears are rounded and short. Asia, Burma through Southeast Asia, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. May reach northern China and northeastern India. Dense tropical and subtropical forests at all elevations. Omnivorous, using front paws for most of feeding activity.