One would think these tropical animals would get too hot under their short, dense fur. But their coats are apparently adapted to shedding rain, mud, and debris. A sun bear's forehead may appear wrinkled, similar to a bulldog's. The eyes are small. The sleek, compact muzzle varies from grayish-white to orange in color.
Short bowlegs make sun bears look awkward.
Their feet are armed with long, curved claws. . Despite their small eyes, sun bear's have keen eyesight, even at night, when they are most active. They can tell the difference between colors. But their sense of smell is their most important sense. Sun bears are expert climbers.