Mama June, Sugar Bear, Honey Boo Boo -- United We Stand

It's a curious pic indeed. Sugar Bear, arm-in-arm with Mama June and Honey Boo Boo.

The pic was taken Wednesday in Milledgeville, GA. It's obvious ... they wanted to be photographed, and June looks especially happy to see the paparazzi.

For June, it's a big deal that it LOOKS like she has an alliance with Sugar Bear, who has been extremely upset that she's been dating convicted child molester Mark McDaniel.

As for Sugar Bear ... he's walking a tightrope. He has no plans to fight June for custody, because his life isn't stable enough to care for Honey Boo Boo. He doesn't even have his own place to live.

Given that he's not fighting for custody ... Sugar Bear needs June because she controls access to their daughter.