Sloth [Folivora] Facts

Sloths are medium sized mammals which are covered with brown fur. They have short flat heads with big eyes, short snouts and tiny ears.

Their legs are quite long, with long, curved claws. They have stubby tails. Sloths claws are also their only natural defense against predators.

Sloths move only when necessary and even then very slowly, because they only have about a quarter as much muscle tissue as other animals of similar weight.

Sloths are part of the order Pilosa so they are related to anteaters and armadillos.

Where Are Sloth Found?

Sloths are found mainly in South America and Central America.

What Do Sloth Eat?

Sloths are for the most part vegetarians. They eat leaves, buds and tender shoots. They also occasionally will eat insects, lizards and dead animals. Sloths are omnivorous animals.

Where Do Sloth Live?

Sloths live in woods in trees.

What Is Sloths Predator?

Main predators of sloths are jaguars, harpy eagle and snakes.

Sloth Scientific Classification
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Mammalia
Order	Pilosa
Suborder	Folivora
Family	Bradypodidae, Megalonychidae
Sloth Scientific Name	Folivora

Fun Facts About Sloths

• Sloths can sleep around 10 hours a day. 


• Sloths move very slowly and as little as possible.


• They slow movement and unique thick fur make it a great habitat for other creatures such as moths, beetles, cockroaches, fungi, and algae.


• Two-toed sloths are nocturnal, being most active at night. While three-toed sloths are diurnal which means they are most active during the day.
• Sloths spend most of their time hanging upside down.  Their long, curved claws allow them to hang upside down from tree limbs.


• Sloths can extend their tongues 10 to 12 inches out of their mouths.