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How do sloth bears eat termites?
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bear
Grizzly bear in Jasper National Park, western Alberta, Canada.
The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is highly adapted for feeding on termites and other insects. Using its long, curved front claws, the bear digs into and rips open termite nests.1
Once the nest is exposed, the sloth bear inserts its long snout into the structure. To protect its respiratory system, the bear closes its nostrils, preventing insects from entering its nasal passages. It then uses its mobile, protrusible lips to create a vacuum, sucking the termites into its mouth through a gap in its teeth caused by the absence of central upper incisors. This specialized feeding mechanism allows the sloth bear to efficiently consume its prey.12