Camera traps are used by our wildlife researchers to observe and study wildlife in their habitat with as little human interference as possible. They show us who and what is living in the area or passing by and how animals behave. Recently, we were lucky enough to be able to watch a curious sun bear investigate a camera in what we suppose to be its territory.

Sun bears are a globally Threatened species and camera traps have helped us be able to understand and empathize with this species a bit more. Dr. Tom Gray, Director of Science at Wildlife Alliance, quotes that they are the smallest and rarest of the world’s eight living bear species. They are excellent climbers and spend considerable time in trees where they feed on sweet fruits, small rodents, birds, termites and honey.

This camera trap interaction shows us that we are focusing our conservation efforts in the right area and that there is still hope for this species’ recovery.