What are the special features of Sloth bears?

As you know, bears are furry animals with large bodies. As a member of bear family, stumpy legs, long snouts, paws with five sharp claws and short tails are the common identity of Sloth bears. Unlike the giant bodied bears like brown and polar bears, Sloth bear has a furry mane around its face that makes its appearance unique. As an adaption to their habitats and life style, they have a special form of lip and palette that could be used to catch and swallow insects. The gaps between the teeth help to suck the food through its mouth.

Where are they found?

Sloth bears are considered as an evolved species from the ancient brown bear family. They are found in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Srilanka and Bangladesh. Srilankan Sloth bears are the sub species of the Sloth bear family.

Are the Sloth bears omnivores?

Yes. Generally, bears are omnivores. These mammals eat other animals as well as plants. Actually bears eat 90% plants as the part of their diet, but it depends on the place they live. Sloth Bears that live in forests and caves eat fruits, seeds, insects, ants, termites, flowers that are available in their surroundings. They are good tree-climbers too and their extraordinary climbing skills help them in knocking down the bee hives on the top branches of the trees.  They have the ability to close their nostrils to protect them from the attacks of ants, bees and other insects.

How many kinds of bears are there?

Black bear, Brown bear, Polar bear, Sloth Bear, Panda, Sun Bear, Andean or Spectacled bear and Asiatic Black bear are the eight different kinds found among bear families. Some of these have their sub species too.

How do they hunt?

Sloth bears usually hunt termite mounds. Using their sharp claws they could scrape the mounds and reach the bottom; and disperse the soil; and suck out the termites with a loud ‘puff’ sound, that could be heard from 100 meters away. This is considered as a special hunting behavior of Sloth bears. They are active at night.

Sloth bears have no fear of any dreadful  predators. Occasionally, they are killed by tigers and other omnivores. When they are in danger, Sloth bears charge their enemies by standing on their legs and crying in a loud voice to scare them. They attack with their sharp claws.

Do they have any interesting behavior?

Yes. The young ones of the sloth bears like to ride on their mother’s back. Its an amazing thing to see and there will be competition among the cubs to ride if they have siblings. They fight each other to get the priority of riding. This funny behavior continues till they reach half size of its mother and it is found only in the Sloth bear families.