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Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) wildlife photograph

Field guide · rare

Sloth Bear

Shaggy termite vacuum of the subcontinent — long snout, white chest chevron, and chaotic charm.

Vulnerable

Melursus ursinus

Overview

Sloth bears are shaggy South Asian bears specialised for sucking insects through a gap in the front teeth. They roam dry forests and scrub, often nocturnal, and carry cubs on their backs — a rare bear behaviour.

For India collectors, the sloth bear is a rare forest character — messy mane, insect specialist, and unmistakable chest blaze.

Habitat

  • Deciduous forest
  • Scrub woodland
  • Rocky outcrop

Dry and moist deciduous forest, scrub, and rocky outcrops across the Indian subcontinent, often near termite mounds and fruiting trees.

Countries found

Field notes

Field scale for the Sloth Bear: length around 1.4-1.9 m; weight 55-140 kg. Typical lifespan: Around 15-20 years in the wild.

When you are scanning habitat, prioritise deciduous forest, scrub woodland, and rocky outcrop. Those settings are where a clean look and a usable photo are most likely.

Quick ID anchor: Shaggy black-brown bear with a pale muzzle and white chest chevron. Confirm with behaviour and habitat before you log the discovery.

Where to see one

  • India

    In India, strong options include Ranthambore National Park and Kanha National Park. Dry deciduous forest and ruined fortresses where tigers patrol ancient trails, one of India's most reliable tiger-spotting reserves.

    Open the India spotting guide for every park note tied to the sloth bear.

    Spotting guide for Sloth Bear in India

Diet

Termites and ants form a major part of the diet, plus seasonal fruits, honey, and flowers.

Tear open mounds and suck insects with noisy vacuum-like feeding.

Behaviour

Often nocturnal or crepuscular; may climb for fruit and honey.

Mothers carry cubs on their backs while foraging.

How to identify

Shaggy black-brown bear with a pale muzzle and white chest chevron.

Long lower lip and unkempt mane distinguish it from Asian black bears.

Interesting facts

  1. 01

    Missing upper incisors create a suction channel for insects.

  2. 02

    Long mobile snout and closable nostrils suit mound raiding.

  3. 03

    Cubs commonly ride on the mother’s back.

  4. 04

    White V- or Y-shaped chest patch is a field mark.

  5. 05

    Also eat fruit, honey, and flowers when in season.

  6. 06

    Can be dangerously defensive near dens or cubs.

Conservation status

VU: Vulnerable

Sloth bears are Vulnerable. Habitat fragmentation and conflict with people reduce secure range. Connected forests and reduced persecution support remaining populations.

Sources: IUCN Red List

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Where it lives

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