In Malasia, young sun bears are often captured and kept as pets. However, at adolescence, they become dangerous. Local people claim that even tigers will back down from an agitated sun bear. When grabbed, a sun bear is able to turn within its loose skin and bite or claw an attacker. In poverty stricken Southeast Asia, the conflict between humans and wildlife is particularly intense and the sun bear's existence is threatened.
Roadways carved through the rain forests by loggers also clear the way for poachers.
Bear gall bladders are thought by many Asian cultures to have healing powers. Sun bear meat, especially roasted paw, is considered a delicacy, especially in Korea. Between habitat destruction and bears taken from the wild by the thousands to satisfy the pet, restaurant and medical trades, there seems little hope for the remaining wild populations. A beginning has been made to educate local people about the value of preserving their natural resources before it is too late. In the meantime, captive breeding efforts, like that of the American Zoo Association's Species Survival Plan, monitor the genetic health of captive populations.