English: Do you know!

Scientific name: Melursus ursinus Higher classification: Melursus CLASS: Mammalia (Mammals) ORDER: Carnivora FAMILY: UrsidaeGENUS: Ursus SPECIES: ursinusSUBSPECIES: Indian sloth bear Ursus ursinus ursinus, Sri Lankan sloth bear Ursus ursinus inornatus Rank: Species

The sloth bear is thought to have evolved early in the Pleistocene Epoch (approximately 1,800,000 years ago). There are 2 subspecies: The Indian sloth bear Melursus ursinus ursinus and the Sri Lankan sloth bear Melursus ursinus inornatus.

The sloth bear is native to the subcontinent of India. The Indian sloth bear inhabits forested and grassland regions of India. Sloth bears are not very competitive over territories, though they are known to leave markings on trees with their claws and teeth. They might also leave their feces at the base of trees. Tree markings are most common around breeding season, however, and may have as much to do with mating as with claiming territories.

The sloth bear is a bit messy in appearance. It has long, rough, unruly hair around its ears, shoulders, and neck that is cinnamon to dark brown in color. The pale muzzle and a flexible nose sniff out interesting smells. The sloth bear often has a white patch of fur on its chest in the shape of a Y, O, or U. With a stocky body and powerful legs, this medium-size bear is able to climb trees. The sloth bear cannot pull in its claws like a cat's, so it looks a bit awkward when walking.

Sloth bears adapt well to many different habitats. They live in the hot, dry grasslands and forests That coat protects them from being bitten by their favorite food—termites! It also gives sloth bear cubs something to grip when their mothers carry them on their backs.

The sloth bear has a nose for sniffing out food but it cannot see or hear as well as other bears. It is not an aggressive animal. But the bear will defend itself against tigers, leopards, and other bears by standing on its back legs and using its teeth and claws.