The common name “honey bear” is a source of confusion because it refers to two distinct mammals from separate continents. One is a true member of the bear family (Ursidae), while the other is a much smaller creature belonging to the same family as raccoons. This shared moniker highlights a distinct behavioral similarity rather than a biological relationship. Understanding the differences between these two species requires looking closely at their scientific classification, physical characteristics, and unique adaptations to their tropical environments.
The Bear Species Known as the Honey Bear
The primary animal referred to as the honey bear is the Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus). This species is the smallest among the world’s eight bear species, typically weighing between 60 and 176 pounds and measuring up to 59 inches in length. Its sleek, short coat is generally jet black, which is an adaptation to the hot, humid climate of its Southeast Asian rainforest habitat.
A distinctive feature is a pale, crescent-shaped patch of fur on its chest, which can range in color from cream to golden orange. Sun bears possess disproportionately large forepaws with long, curved claws, which are used to tear open decaying logs and termite nests, as well as to climb trees with remarkable skill. They also have an extremely long tongue, measuring up to 18 inches, that is instrumental in lapping up insects, larvae, and honey from beehives.
These bears are found throughout the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including northeastern India, Thailand, Malaysia, and the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. The species is largely arboreal, often constructing nests high in the trees where they rest, and they do not hibernate due to the constant availability of food. Currently, the Malayan Sun Bear is classified as Vulnerable, with populations decreasing due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.
The Mammal Also Called Honey Bear
The second animal that shares this common name is the Kinkajou (Potos flavus), native to the rainforests of Central and South America. The Kinkajou is a member of the Procyonidae family, which includes coatis, ringtails, and raccoons. It is significantly smaller than the Sun Bear, with adults weighing only between 3 and 10 pounds and possessing a body length of up to 30 inches.
This creature is highly adapted for a life in the forest canopy, boasting a long, fully prehensile tail that acts as a fifth limb for grasping branches and balancing. The Kinkajou has large eyes, small round ears, and a dense, woolly coat that is typically golden-brown or yellowish-gray. Its nocturnal habits result in it being rarely seen during the day, which it spends sleeping in tree hollows or shaded tangles of leaves.
The Kinkajou’s diet consists mostly of ripe fruit, flower nectar, and insects, which it collects using a slender, five-inch-long tongue. This preference for sweet liquids often results in the Kinkajou acting as a significant pollinator as pollen adheres to its fur while it forages. Its reputation as a “honey bear” stems from its ability to raid bee nests for honey, though wild individuals primarily consume nectar and fruit.
Why These Names Persist
The persistence of the “honey bear” nickname for both the Sun Bear and the Kinkajou stems directly from their shared dietary preference for sweet, energy-rich foods. Both species have evolved specific tools—an extremely long tongue and strong, curved claws—that help them access the difficult-to-reach contents of bee nests. This shared behavior is the primary link that connects these two animals in popular culture.
Beyond their love for honey, both the Malayan Sun Bear and the Kinkajou are highly arboreal. Their capacity to climb and navigate the forest canopy provides them with access to the sweet resources of tree-dwelling bees and flowers, reinforcing the common name. They are defined by their sweetness-seeking nature and their ability to climb.