Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus): Facts, Size, Habitat & Where to See in India
Quick Answer
The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is a mammal listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Shaggy black coat, pale muzzle and a white V or Y mark on the chest; long curved claws. Typical weight: males about 80–145 kg; females 55–95 kg. IUCN Vulnerable; range-wide estimates vary from under 10,000 to over 20,000 and the trend is decreasing.. In Central India it lives in both Tadoba and Pench; the best time to see it is march–June, when bears forage for mahua flowers and termites near tracks.
- Scientific name
- Melursus ursinus
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable
- Weight
- Males about 80–145 kg; females 55–95 kg
- Lifespan
- About 20–25 years in the wild
- Local name
- Aswal (Marathi), Bhalu (Hindi)
Highlights
- Shaggy black coat, pale muzzle and a white V or Y mark on the chest; long curved claws.
- Termites, ants, fruits and other seasonal foods, gathered with specialised claws and lips.
- IUCN Vulnerable; range-wide estimates vary from under 10,000 to over 20,000 and the trend is decreasing.
- Best time to see: March–June, when bears forage for mahua flowers and termites near tracks.
Sloth Bear Quick Facts
Key figures for the sloth bear. Ranges vary between sources and regions; these are commonly cited values.
| Fact | Sloth Bear |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Melursus ursinus |
| Family | Mammal · Ursidae |
| Local names | Aswal (Marathi), Bhalu (Hindi) |
| Size | Head and body about 1.4–1.9 m; 60–90 cm at the shoulder |
| Weight | Males about 80–145 kg; females 55–95 kg |
| Lifespan | About 20–25 years in the wild |
| Breeding | Usually 1–2 cubs, which ride on the mother’s back for months. |
| Diet | Termites, ants, fruits and other seasonal foods, gathered with specialised claws and lips. |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable |
| Population | IUCN Vulnerable; range-wide estimates vary from under 10,000 to over 20,000 and the trend is decreasing. |
How to Identify a Sloth Bear
Shaggy black coat, pale muzzle and a white V or Y mark on the chest; long curved claws.
Combine shape, markings, movement and habitat rather than relying on size impressions alone, especially in poor light.
Sloth Bear Habitat
Dry and moist deciduous forest, scrub and rocky shelter with access to insect colonies and fruiting plants.
What Does the Sloth Bear Eat?
Termites, ants, fruits and other seasonal foods, gathered with specialised claws and lips.
Diet shifts with season, age and what is locally available, linking the species to vegetation, prey, predators and scavengers.
Sloth Bear Behaviour and Breeding
Often nocturnal or crepuscular where human activity is high. Mothers may carry young cubs on their backs.
Usually 1–2 cubs, which ride on the mother’s back for months.
Sloth Bear in Tadoba
Sloth bear is a notable Tadoba mammal and may use both core and buffer habitat.
Occurrence does not guarantee a sighting. Habitat, season, activity pattern and route all affect your chances.
Sloth Bear in Pench
Pench’s dry-deciduous mosaic provides suitable feeding and shelter habitat.
Pench MP and Pench Maharashtra are administered separately but form one connected landscape.
Best Time to See the Sloth Bear
March–June, when bears forage for mahua flowers and termites near tracks.
Morning drives are generally the most active. Book permits early for March–June, when demand peaks.
Sloth Bear Population and Conservation
IUCN Vulnerable; range-wide estimates vary from under 10,000 to over 20,000 and the trend is decreasing.
Conflict, accidental encounters, habitat loss and illegal capture have affected the species across its range.
Watching Responsibly
Keep the required distance, stay in the vehicle, and never feed, call, spotlight or pursue wildlife. Follow your guide at all times.
Do not share precise locations of dens, nests or cubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a sloth bear?
Head and body about 1.4–1.9 m; 60–90 cm at the shoulder. Males about 80–145 kg; females 55–95 kg.
Is the sloth bear endangered?
The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable. IUCN Vulnerable; range-wide estimates vary from under 10,000 to over 20,000 and the trend is decreasing.
What does the sloth bear eat?
Termites, ants, fruits and other seasonal foods, gathered with specialised claws and lips.
Where can I see the sloth bear in India?
In Central Indian tiger reserves including Tadoba-Andhari and Pench. March–June, when bears forage for mahua flowers and termites near tracks.
How long does a sloth bear live?
About 20–25 years in the wild.
What is the sloth bear called locally?
Aswal (Marathi), Bhalu (Hindi)
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Sources & References
Facts on wildlife and visitor access can change. These are the principal references for this page; always confirm current permits and rules with the responsible forest department.
Photo Credits
Photos without a credit below are by Wild Excursions. The rest come from Wikimedia Commons under the licences shown.
- Sloth bear standing in tall green grass in Tadoba — Davidvraju, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Sloth bear walking along a forest track in Tadoba — Murugavel.T, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Narrow forest road between dense bamboo stands in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve — GURDEEP SINGH, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Red-earth safari track running through a tunnel of bamboo in Tadoba — Rohit Sharma, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Wide view of the largest lake in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve under a clear sky — Aashay25, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Three painted storks standing on the shore of a Tadoba lake — Eeshan Sonak, CC BY-SA 4.0
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