American sun bear (SciiFii)

The American sun bear (Helarctos americanum) is a species of bear in the family Ursidae that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, swamps,marshlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. Along with the Asian sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), the American sun bear is one of the smallest bear, standing nearly 70 centimetres (28 inches) at the shoulder and weighing 25–65 kilograms (55–143 pounds). It is stockily built, with large paws, strongly curved claws, small rounded ears and a short snout. The fur is generally jet-black, but can vary from grey to red. Sun bears get their name from the characteristic orange to cream coloured chest patch. Its unique morphology—inward-turned front feet, flattened chest, powerful forelimbs with large claws, are adaptations for climbing. One of the most arboreal (tree-living) of all bears, the American sun bear is an excellent climber and sunbathes or sleeps in trees 2 to 7 metres (7 to 23 feet) above the ground. It is mainly active during the day, though nocturnality might be more common in areas frequented by humans. American sun bears tend to remain solitary but sometimes occur in pairs (such as a mother and her cub). In the warm parts of North America, they do not seem to hibernate because food resources are available the whole year throughout those range, but in cool to cold areas, where food becomes scarce during winter, the American sun bears living in those areas hibernate. Being omnivores, American sun bears have a broad diet including ants, bees, beetles, honey, termites and plant material such as seeds and many kinds of fruits; vertebrates such as birds and deer are also eaten occasionally. They breed throughout the year; individuals become sexually mature at two to four years of age. Litters comprise one or two cubs that remain with their mother for around three years. The conservation status of the American sun bear is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American sun bear's wide range and its tolerance to most of human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii