questions about sloths?

Question

is it true that sloths cannot walk on hard land with their toes? or is that a myth? also, why do sloths move so slowly?

Answer 1

The only time a slot will leave their tree is once a month when they need to poop. YUP!!! only once a month. They move from tree to tree through the branches, and on the ground if need be. We have 2 sloths at our local zoo, I love to watch them, even if they are slow. I watch Animal planet allot, that's how i know the poop thing. But you were correct, it is a myth that they do not walk on the ground.
They move slowly because they have very slow metabolisms, yes, but they also use this as a form of self defense. If you were an animal on the prowl, you would not see the slow moving sloth, but you would definitely see the monkey scampering along. Works pretty good if i do say so myself.

Answer 2

No they can move on land but not very well, when they decide to change tree's they walk on the ground. They have the slowest metabolism in the mamalian world, their body temps are in the 70, it's due to their food source, very low of nutrition (leaves). Since they have so little requirements they don't expend alot of energy.

Answer 3

They have a VERY slow metabolism....they come down out of the trees to poop once a week. I have seen them walking on land and swimming. Haven't heard any myths about the walking thing.

Answer 4

Sorry this doesnt help, but there is a zooligy section for this because sloths arnt pets

Answer 5

How many toes do they have. I know that there is a two and three toed sloth. I guess not.

Answer 6

ever thought of looking it up? just use wikipedia if you so lazy