A Sloth Bear, Melursus ursinus, in Tadoba-Andhara National Park, Maharashtra, India.
Sloth Bears are found in India, Bhutan and Nepal, with a distinct subspecies in Sri Lanka. They mainly inhabit lowland areas, and are most active at night and in the early morning.
They are specialised to feed on ants and termites, with long claws for digging into anthills and termite mounds, and a gap between their top teeth, which allows them to suck up insects. They can also feed on honey, eggs, fruit and, sometimes, carrion.
They give birth to two, occasionally three cubs, and uniquely among bears, the cubs often ride on their mother’s back.
They are IUCN listed as vulnerable because of habitat destruction and hunting.
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