Twelve sloth bear facts, fact-checked
The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is a bear rebuilt around eating insects. Full profile in our sloth bear guide.
1. They are insectivores, not sloths
Named for long claws that reminded early naturalists of sloths. They are true bears.
2. A gap in the teeth for suction
Missing upper incisors create a channel for sucking termites and ants straight out of a nest.
3. You can hear them feeding 100 m away
The noise of blowing away soil and inhaling insects carries a long distance.
4. Nostrils close voluntarily
Keeping dust and insects out while excavating a mound.
5. Cubs ride on the mother's back
For six to nine months — no other bear does this routinely. It lets her keep moving through predator country.
6. They are among the most dangerous bears to people
Poor eyesight and hearing mean they are startled easily, and encounters in dense cover can end badly. Attacks are defensive, not predatory.
7. Tigers and leopards prey on them
Which is why they stand and fight rather than flee.
8. The dancing-bear trade nearly defined them
Cubs were taken from the wild, their muzzles pierced and teeth removed, to be made to dance. Sustained work ended the practice in India.
9. They can be active day or night
Shifting to nocturnal activity where people are present.
10. Shaggy fur is anti-insect armour
Long coarse hair helps protect against bites while raiding a nest.
11. They are Vulnerable
Habitat loss, fragmentation and conflict-related killing are the principal pressures.
12. Conflict mitigation is the priority
Because most sloth bear deaths follow encounters with people, reducing surprise encounters protects both species.
Read the full sloth bear wildlife guide for IUCN status, population context and sources — or donate to WARN to help fund the partner teams protecting wildlife on the ground.
