How do three-toed sloths defend themselves when disturbed?

While three-toed sloths are typically silent and docile animals, they possess a specific defense mechanism when they are disturbed. In such situations, they are capable of striking out furiously with their sharp foreclaws.1

Beyond this active defense, these mammals primarily rely on their natural coloration and slow movements to avoid detection by predators, such as jaguars and harpy eagles. Their shaggy, algae-covered fur provides excellent camouflage, allowing them to resemble a clump of dead leaves while resting or sleeping in the forest canopy.12