Near Thurmont in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sun Bear
Helarctos malayanus
| — | English Translation: Malayan sun bear | — |
Home of the Sun Bear
Sun bears are found in subtropical southeast Asia, including the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. They live in mountain and lowland forests.
Behavior
Its strong, stocky body is built for climbing trees and tearing at tree bark. They even build sleeping nests in trees.
Diet
Sun bears are omnivores. They can eat insects, larvae and nests of bees and termites. By tapping lightly on surfaces, their sensitive hearing detects the hollow spots where bugs live.
Fun Fact
The Sun Bear is the smallest of all bears. Folk lore says that each day the sun sets, it kisses a bear on the chest, leaving its mark.
CWPZOO has a unique history of Sun Bear births beginning with the first mother raised cub in this country in 1969. Three of our Sun Bears were born here.
CWPZOO participated with the Miami Metro and San Diego Zoo for many years in a joint Sun Bear breeding program.
Erected by Catoctin Wildlife Preserve.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 39° 35.478′ N, 77° 25.839′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sacred Ibis (within shouting distance of this marker); Fang Lore (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lucky Bird's Aviary (about 300 feet away); Snakes in Religion (about 300 feet away); Macaws (about 300 feet away); Australian Wetland Birds (about 300 feet away); Jaguar (about 400 feet away); Ruffed Lemur (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 17, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
