The small sloth (Melursus ursinus) is unique amongst the bears, as insects are its main food source. It has a long, shaggy, coat with particularly long over the shoulders, and is typically black, although some individuals with cinnamon or reddish coats have been seen. A distinctive pale whitish or cream marking on the chest a ‘U’ or ‘Y’ shape, and the relatively long, muzzle is also pale in colour. The snout of the sloth bear, along with its bare lips, and lack of upper incisors, are adaptations for its insect-based . The front feet are turned inwards and have large and slightly curved ivory-coloured claws for digging.
Subspecies[]
Indian Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus ursinus)[]
Notable Sloth Bears[]
Baloo