Melursus ursinus

Sloth bears are 5-6 feet in length (1.4 to 1.7 meters long), and weigh 175 to 310 pounds. (Females are slightly smaller) The name come from the resemblance to the 3-toed sloth. The sloth bear has a gray-white flexible snout which acts as a vacuum cleaner in sucking up termites or grubs from trees. The snout is very flexible and the nostrils can be closed voluntarily. The loud noises they make while feeding on termites attracts hunters, and may contribute to the decline of the species. They are considered to be labiated bears, having a long lower lip and narrow extending tongue to further aid in foraging activities. The black fur is long, shaggy, and often matted. There is a distinguishing white or chestnut horseshoe shaped crescent marking on the chest. The ears are relatively large; The long, curved claws make him a good climber, and, like the sloth, he can hang upside down. They do not hibernate. They are thought to maintain small territories, and live as solitary individuals except when a female is caring for her young. They are the only bears that carry their young on their back. They are good swimmers and climbers. There are fewer than 10,000 in the wild.