Sloths

Sloths are the slowest mammals on Earth. They live in the tropical forests of Central and South America. Sloths spend almost all their time hanging upside down in trees. They move so slowly that algae grows on their fur, turning them a bit green!

Super Slow

Sloths move only about 40 yards per day. They are slow because their diet of leaves gives them very little energy. But being slow is actually a survival strategy. Their slow movements make them hard for predators like eagles and jaguars to spot.

Tree Life

Sloths are built for life in the trees. Their curved claws hook onto branches like living hangers. They eat, sleep, and even have babies while hanging upside down. Sloths come down from their tree about once a week to go to the bathroom.

Fun Facts

• Sloths can turn their heads nearly 270 degrees.
• Algae grows on their fur, helping them camouflage.
• Three-toed sloths can swim three times faster than they walk.

Did You Know?

Sloths are actually good swimmers! They can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes by slowing their heart rate. They sometimes drop from trees into rivers to swim to new areas.