Sloth Bear
ExploreMammals
Sloth Bear
melursus ursinus
Sloth bears are slow and sleepy creatures that love to munch on tasty fruits and insects! They have long, shaggy fur and a unique white mark on their chests that makes them look special.
Habitat: Sloth bears live in forests and grasslands in India and Sri Lanka.
Appearance
The Sloth Bear has a shaggy, jet-black coat and a distinctive V-shaped white marking on its chest. Its snout is pale with long, curved claws, making it appear somewhat disheveled compared to other bears.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyUrsidaeGenusMelursus
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Moms often carry their cubs on their backs, even while climbing trees!
Sloth Bears can stand on their hind legs to reach yummy high-up fruit.
Their shaggy fur protects them from insect bites and sharp plant thorns.
They don't truly hibernate like other bears, only slow down activities.
Special abilities
Ability
Sturdy Diggers
Sloth Bear has long, sickle-shaped claws that help them rip open tough termite mounds and dig for food.
Ability
Nostril Closers
Sloth Bear can close its nostrils voluntarily that helps them avoid inhaling dust and insects while feeding on termite mounds.
Ability
Keen Sniffer
Sloth Bear has an exceptional sense of smell that helps them locate hidden insect nests and ripe fruits from afar.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 150-190 cm
- Weight
- 55-190 kg
- Lifespan
- 20-25 years
- Top Speed
- 40 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1-3
- Gestation
- 180-210 days
Diet & Feeding
A Sloth Bear's favorite snacks are termites and ants, but they also enjoy fruits, honey, and sometimes small animals.
Primary Foods
- termites
- ants
- honey
- mangoes
- berries
- beetle larvae
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Indian Mound-Building Termite
Odontotermes obesus
Primary food source, especially termites.
eaten by
Tiger
Panthera tigris
Main natural predator, especially of cubs.
eats
Mango
Mangifera indica
Relishes ripe fruits, especially seasonal mangoes.
eats
Giant Honey Bee
Apis dorsata
Raids nests for honey and larvae.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Bear of IndiaShaggy Bear
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Sloth Bear?
The easiest way to identify Sloth Bear is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Sloth Bear?
150-190 cm
How much does Sloth Bear weigh?
55-190 kg
How long does Sloth Bear live?
20-25 years
How fast can Sloth Bear move?
40 km/h
What does Sloth Bear eat?
A Sloth Bear's favorite snacks are termites and ants, but they also enjoy fruits, honey, and sometimes small animals.
Where is Sloth Bear usually found?
Sloth bears live in forests and grasslands in India and Sri Lanka.
How does Sloth Bear hunt?
Foraging
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