Bears

Bears are iconic mammals belonging to the family Ursidae, characterized by their large bodies, stocky build, and plantigrade stance. These magnificent creatures are found across various habitats in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of South America. With their powerful jaws, sharp claws, and keen sense of smell, bears are formidable omnivores capable of adapting to a wide range of environments, from dense forests to icy tundra. While they primarily feed on vegetation such as berries, nuts, and roots, bears are also skilled hunters, preying on fish, small mammals, and occasionally larger prey. Known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors, bears exhibit a range of vocalizations, body language, and territorial displays. Unfortunately, bears face numerous threats in the wild, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Through educational programs and conservation efforts, the Little Rock Zoo aims to raise awareness about the importance of bear conservation and provide visitors with the opportunity to appreciate these remarkable animals up close.

THREATENED

Sloth Bear

Sloth bears, are fascinating mammals native to the Indian subcontinent. Named for their unique sloth-like appearance and slow, deliberate movements, these bears possess several distinctive features, including long shaggy fur, a shaggy mane around their necks, and a distinct whitish "V" or "Y" shape on their chests. Sloth bears are primarily nocturnal and have a diet consisting mainly of insects, particularly termites and ants, which they extract using their long, curved claws and powerful jaws. They are also known for their adept climbing skills and can often be found foraging for food in trees. Unfortunately, sloth bears face numerous threats in the wild, including habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.

Sloth bears' nostrils can close completely, protecting the animals from dust or insects when raiding termite nests or beehives.
Sloth bears are the only bears to routinely carry their young on their backs.
Sloth bears are noisy, busy animals. They grunt and snort as they pull down branches to get fruit, dig for termites and ants, or snuffle under debris for grubs and beetles.

Sloth bears are currently facing significant conservation challenges due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Habitat destruction, primarily caused by deforestation and urbanization, has resulted in the fragmentation and degradation of their natural habitats. Additionally, sloth bears are often persecuted by humans due to conflicts arising from crop raiding and perceived threats to livestock. Poaching for body parts and the illegal pet trade further exacerbate the decline of sloth bear populations. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting sloth bears include habitat preservation, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts through community engagement and education, and implementing anti-poaching measures. The Little Rock Zoo supports these conservation initiatives by raising awareness about sloth bear conservation challenges and actively participating in programs that contribute to their protection and survival in the wild. Please join our efforts to secure a future for this species by donating to our conservation fund.