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How do newborn sloths stay attached to their mothers?
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sloth
Juvenile three-toed sloth (Bradypus) climbing a tree branch.
Newborn sloths stay attached to their mothers by clinging to their fur.
In the case of two-toed sloths, as soon as the baby's front limbs are free during birth, it grasps the mother's abdominal hair and pulls itself to her chest. The young sloth then continues to cling to the mother's fur for approximately five weeks. Similarly, newborn three-toed sloths cling to the mother's abdomen and remain with her until they are at least five months old.12
It is important to note that while the "sloth bear" shares the name "sloth," it is a distinct species of bear and not a true sloth; unlike the tree-dwelling sloths, sloth bear cubs often ride on their mother's back.3