![]() The sloth bear is omnivorous and consumes large amounts of vegetable matter, particularly fruit. As a result, the range of plants and animal matter they consume differ widely depending on the season and the area inhabited. Sloth bears are distributed in various kinds of habitat, and their feeding patterns differ based on the availability of food. The lack of upper incisors creates a channel through which the bear sucks insects, and they are able to voluntarily close their nostrils, which prevents the inhalation of dust. Breaking open a termite mound with its strong front claws, the sloth bear then inserts its muzzle and blow away earth and dust before sucking the termites into its mouth. Sloth bears are unique amongst bears in that the majority of their diet is composed of insects, particularly termites and ants. Cubs stay with their mothers for 1.5–2 years and leave just before the breeding season. ![]() Cubs are routinely carried on the mother’s back from the time they leave the den until they are about nine months old, which seems to be the main defense for cubs against attacks by predators such as tigers ( Panthera tigris) and leopards ( P. Females remain in the den for 2–3 months and rarely come out, even to eat. On average, two or occasionally three cubs are born in protected dens. Sloth bears mate during the hot season in May, June, and July, and cubs are usually born September–November. ĭuring the breeding season, a number of males will follow a receptive female for several days, mating with her in turn with little inter-male aggression. Adults are generally active throughout the day and night, except for females with cubs, which seem to avoid activity in daylight. In non-protected areas where cover is sparse and in areas where daytime temperatures are high, the sloth bear is largely nocturnal or crepuscular and will shelter in rock outcrops, thickets, and tree cavities during the heat of the day. ![]() Sloth bears tend to be more active during the night and cooler parts of the day in protected areas however, in disturbed and fragmented forests interspersed with human habitations they are almost exclusively nocturnal. Sloth bears are mostly solitary except for females with their cubs. Sloth bears have long (6–8cm), slightly curved, ivory-color front claws for digging and shorter hind claws. Generally males are larger in size than females. When feeding, sloth bears make loud, sucking sounds that can be heard from a great distance. The sloth bear is unique among bears as it has only 40 adult teeth. Sloth bears have a broad palate and lack the upper two middle incisors, which are all specializations for eating ants and termites from the ground or termite mounds. It is thought that the reduced hair on the muzzle may be an adaptation for coping with the defensive secretions of termites. The muzzle is long and light-color with reduced hair and lips that can be protruded or extended. ![]() Sloth bears have a distinctive pale whitish or cream marking on their chest that forms a U or Y shape. Their fur is typically black, although individuals with brown or reddish pelage have been observed. Sloth bears are the only bear with long hair on the ears. The hair is especially long around the neck and the back of the head. Sloth bears have a distinctively long, shaggy coat with no underfur.
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