The life span of these shaggy-haired bears is between 20 to 25 years. Their body length varies from 140 to 170 cm; weight varies between 65 and 145 kg. They have large lips, a long tongue, a pale muzzle and well-developed hook-like claws that enable them to climb trees and dig for termites. The sloth bear is dim-sighted and rears up on its hind legs and bites or claws when alarmed. Sloth bear habitats are deciduous forest, scrub, and grass land. (A field Guide to Indian Mammals – Vivek Menon).
Sloth bears are unique amongst bears and majority of their diet is composed of insects, particularly termites and ants. Breaking open a termite mound with their strong front claws, these bears then insert their snout and blow away earth and dust before sucking the termites into their mouth. They are able to voluntarily close their nostrils, which prevents the inhalation of dust. Sloth bears also feed on leaves, honey, flowers, bird eggs and especially on fruit when it is abundant. These animals are also opportunistic carrion eaters.
Behavior
Sloth bears are crepuscular. They are also known to be active during the day in areas where climatic conditions are conducive. They occupy home ranges, which they are happy to share with other sloth bears. Male sloth bears have an average range of 13 square km. This is much smaller than most other bears; probably due to the fact that they do not suffer from seasonal fluctuations of food supply (ants and termites are available all year round). They use a wide variety of facial expressions and calls to communicate with one another. Sloth bears are also good climbers. They are mainly solitary except for mothers with their cubs, and occupy home ranges that are marked by stripping bark from trees, although intruders appear to be tolerated. Adults are active in the day and night, whilst females with cubs seem to restrict their activity to daylight hours.
Reproduction
The mating season is usually from June to July, although it may continue year-round in some areas. A number of males will follow a receptive female around for days mating with her in turn, and generally lacking aggression between each other. Females give birth (usually up to two cubs) after a gestation period of around six or seven months in a den usually located in the base of a hollow tree. She will remain with her cubs for the first three months and once they are able to leave the safety of the den they will spend the majority of the time riding on her back. Cubs stay with their mother for upto two and a half years. Females normally breed at two or three-year intervals.
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