Two-toed Sloth (Linne’s)

Hair is long and brownish-gray, and curves from the stomach to the back, opposite of most mammals. The limbs are long and the forelimbs are slightly longer than the hind limbs. The forefeet have 2 digits, which are not toes but long, curved claws, and the hind feet have 3 digits. The claws are used for suspension from tree branches. Average weight is roughly 11-14 lbs. and length ranges from 21 - 28 in. head to tail.

Central and South America

Females tend to associate in groups, but males are usually solitary. The female portion of the population outnumbers the male by as much as 11:1. Females reach sexual maturity at 3 years and males at 4 - 5 years. Single births are the norm and gestation is estimated to be about 6 months. Babies cling to the hair on their mother’s belly. Young first hang upside down at 20 - 25 days after birth and begin to feed away from the mother at 5 months. Young will continue to associate with their mother until at least 2 years old. The amount of time between births is usually 14 - 16 months. Lifespan is about 20 years in the wild and up to 32 years in captivity.

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  Sloths are mainly arboreal and hang upside down in trees; all normal activity (eating, sleeping, mating, and giving birth) occurs while hanging upside down.
  
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  They only leave the trees to urinate & defecate.
  
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  Each strand of sloth hair has grooves which collect algae, giving the sloth a greenish tint, camouflaging it in the trees.
  
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  Sloths cannot walk; they are outstanding climbers and very good swimmers.
  
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  Activity is mostly nocturnal; even crepuscular activity is uncommon.