15 Surprising Sloth Facts

(FUN ANIMAL FACTS/WILDLIFE/SLOTHS) Sloths are adorable, slow-moving mammals native to Central and South America. They are solitary mammals and just so happen to provide a habitat for a multitude of other organisms. For instance, did you know a single sloth may be home to moths, beetles, cockroaches, fungi, and algae? Scroll down for a fun list of 15 more surprising sloth facts. — Global Animal

1. Sloths are clumsy on land but are great swimmers.

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2. Sloths are arboreal animals, so they spend most of their time in trees.

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3. Sloths only urinate/defecate once a week.

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4. Contrary to their reputation, sloths only sleep about 10 hours a day.

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5. Sloths defecate and urinate at the same place every time and because of this they are vulnerable to predators.

6. Algae grow on their fur, which camouflages them green.

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7. Sloths diets consist mostly of leaves which gives them minimal energy and nutrition.

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8. Sloths’ primary predators include eagles, snakes, and jaguars.

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9. Sloths can retain their grip after death.

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10. Three-toed sloths can turn their heads almost 360 degrees.

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11. Sloths are nocturnal animals.

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12. Sloths have up to four-inch-long claws used to hold onto tree branches.

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13. Sloths are solitary creatures who only gather to mate.

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14. Female sloths are normally pregnant for seven to 10 months and will only give birth to one baby.

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15. Sloths can live up to 40 years old.

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