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Sloth Bear

(Melursus ursinus)

Despite their name, sloth bears are not related to sloths. Native to the Indian subcontinent, they use their long, curved claws to dig for termites and ants — two of their favorite foods in the wild. Jagger, a 3-year-old female, arrived at the Detroit Zoo in October 2024 and now resides behind the grizzly bears in the America Grasslands habitat.

On Habitat

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Quick Facts

Habitat: American Grassland

Class: Mammals

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Size: Up to 6 feet tall

Weight: 200 to 300 pounds

Median life expectancy: 16 years

Diet: Primarily termites and ants, as well as other insects and fruits