5 odd and amazing facts about sloths

3/8/2020

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Nature Story: 5 odd and amazing facts about sloths

These unusual animals are famous for their lazy lifestyle and slow pace, but there are more amazing things you need to know about them. Enjoy these 5 little-known sloth facts.

Try to ace this fun trivia quiz on animal vocabulary to see if you already know a great deal about wildlife.

#1 There are three-toed and two-toed sloths

Nature Story: Interesting sloth facts — shutterstock

Don't get confused by these names, as the difference between the two genera is found in their front limbs ('fingers'), not 'toes'.

#2 They used to be giant

It's one of the most incredible but true facts about sloths. Ten thousand years ago, their unbelievably large ancestors inhabited North America. They weighed up to 4 tonnes and were as big as elephants.

#3 They are great swimmers

Sloths prefer to spend 90% of their time hanging below branches. If a sloth has to, it walks on the ground very slowly. Anyway, when it comes to swimming, they take things seriously. In water, sloths can move 5 times faster than they usually do.

If you enjoy these sloth facts and love unusual animals, read this article about the platypus or take this fun trivia quiz about wild animals.

#4 They move slowly to conserve energy

Nature Story: True facts about sloths — shutterstock

Sloths mostly feed on fruit, branches and leaves, so their diet doesn't provide much nutrition. By moving at sluggish pace, they conserve energy to survive. Usually, a sloth doesn't travel more than 120 feet (36 meters) a day.

#5 A baby sloth spends 6 months with its mother

Nature Story: Interesting baby sloth facts — shutterstock

Sloth mothers carry their babies on their bellies and help them to learn to provide for themselves. When sloths are ready to live on their own, they usually don't go far and continue to communicate with their mother.

This baby sloth is adorable, isn't it?

Was this information new for you? Do you know any other little-known sloth facts?

More wildlife myths dispelled and true facts about sloths and other amazing animals: 10 common wildlife myths debunked.

Don't forget about our fun trivia quizzes and trivia questions.

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12 Comments

Carol Butler

"They move slowly to conserve energy," Me too, "When sloths are ready to live on their own, they usually don't go far and continue to communicate with their mother, " This is my favorite fact about sloths and I will seek the opportunity to snare if with my family,

Louella Wilson

As quoted "Sloths prefer to spend 90% of their time hanging below branches". Like bats, this position uses much less energy than standing. Remember this the next time you are just hanging about!

Leticia Olsen

😍Beautiful!! They’re acting just like human kids!! When I was a kid I used to dangle hanging on the trees and my mum said, I was just like a mischievous monkey!😂