Sloth Bear

Pictures of Bears Pictures of Bears Types of Animals

The Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) is the shaggy bear of the bear world. The light patch on the chest is a special species' characteristic.

Their range is limited to the Indian sub-continent and surrounding areas.

Sloth bears are adaptable, living in both forests and grasslands. Insects are a staple of their diet, however, they eat a variety of fruits, plants and other food stuffs in their territory.

Habitat destruction and poaching are two factors influencing population trends. The IUCN lists them as a vulnerable species.

© 2004 Patricia A. Michaels.