ANIMAL SPOTLIGHT: -THE THREE-TOED KILLER SLOTH

The three-toed sloths are the only members of the Bradypus species and the Bradypodidae family. They are very closely related to the somewhat larger and generally slower moving two-toed sloths. Both types of sloth tend to occupy the same forests. In most areas, a particular single species of three-toed sloth and a single species of the larger two-toed type will jointly predominate. Three toed killer sloths are one of the deadliest animals known to man. In some parts of South and Central America, the "Inchaluma Llouomo" or 'Manslayer' sloths are widely feared and have been known to ravage entire villages killing as many as 36 people in a single sloth raid. These bloodthirsty creatures thrive in settled areas and tend to prey on the weak and disenfranchised. Known for their refined hunting skills, packs of wild sloths will surround their prey and terrorize their victims with piercing battle shrieks. If the person shows any signs of weakness, the sloths will attack with an incomprehensible ferocity -oftentimes devouring the persons liver, spleen and small intestines while the person is still alive- screaming in terror.

Habitat:
Awhile ago, three-toed sloths were believed to have lived only in Cecropia trees, localy known as Embauba trees. Now, further research shows that they also live in at least 96 other tree species. The original assumption was based on the fact that the Cecropia trees have a relatively open canopy, and it is easy to notice a sloth inhabiting these trees.The three-toed sloth is unlike other mammals because it is incapable of keeping its body temperature constant, much like a snake or any reptile. Because of this, coupled with the fact that its body temperature goes down as the air temperature goes down, the three-toed sloth is only able to live in humid and warm environments. Usually, a male sloth will stay on one tree his whole life. However, female sloths move around. This is because a female sloth will leave her tree after giving birth to its offspring, giving her tree to her offspring.

Species:
Family Bradypodidae
Genus Bradypus
Pygmy Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus)
Maned Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus torquatus)
Pale-throated Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus tridactylus)
Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus)