The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), also known as the Indian bear, is a myrmecophagous bear species native to the Indian subcontinent. It feeds on fruits, ants and termites. It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, mainly because of habitat loss and degradation. [1] It is the only species in the genus Melursus.

Feb 27, 2025 · sloth bear, (Melursus ursinus), forest-dwelling bear (family Ursidae) that inhabits tropical or subtropical regions of India and Sri Lanka. Named for its slow-moving habits, the sloth bear has poor senses of sight and hearing but a good sense of smell. Various adaptations equip this nocturnal animal for raiding insect colonies.

The shaggy-coated sloth bear is native to India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Sloth bears primarily eat termites and ants, and unlike other bear species, they routinely carry their cubs on their backs.

Sloth bears are solitary creatures and generally nocturnal. They grow up to 6 feet in length, and males can weigh up to 310 pounds, while females weigh up to 210 pounds. When threatened...

Sloth bears are a bit misleading by name. They are not related to sloths, and they are not slow moving. In fact, they’re agile bears that can run faster than a human and will attack if surprised. It was a European zoologist, George Shaw, who named the sloth bear for …

The Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is a myrmecophagous bear species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, mainly because of habitat loss and degradation. When their territories are encroached upon by …

3 days ago · SEATTLE — Woodland Park Zoo's 3-month-old sloth bear cub, Bowie, is set to make her public debut this weekend. Born on January 8, the same day as music icon David Bowie, the young cub will be ...

Female sloth bears usually have 1-2 babies, sometimes 3. Young sloth bears stay with their mother for 2–3 years. In captivity they can live to be 40 years old. Sloth bear adults can weigh anywhere from 60 to 70 kilograms (120-130 pounds) and measure anywhere from 152 to 178 centimeters (60-70 inches) in length.

Sloth bears are large mammals native to India. These bears are unique in their dietary habits, as their primary food source is insects! Like many other bear species, humans have threatened them with extinction, primarily through to habitat loss. Because of this, the IUCN Red List labels them as Vulnerable. Read on to learn about the sloth bear.

Sloth bears are known for their long, shaggy coats, distinctive chest markings, and specialized adaptations for feeding on termites and ants, including reduced upper incisors and long digging claws. Their unique traits, such as their loud feeding sounds and reduced hair on the muzzle, set them apart from other bear species.