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Here is some interesting information about something that isn't in our Totem Library that I wanted to share here today.

It's about Sloth Bear and its lesson is in expanding your perceptions.

Sloth Bear Wisdome Includes:
Being Grandmother to the Bear
Express Yourself
Building to Good Families
Being Inventive

Known as the "Unbearlike" Bear, Sloth Bear defies most people's ideas about Bears. Because of her slow gait and ability to live in trees, Sloth Bear was classified with Sloths. Adding to her slothlike characteristics, she also specializes in eating Termites and Ants*. Because she lives in the tropics, Sloth Bear does not hibernate like other Bears.

However, Sloth Bear is from the oldest lineage of True Bears. She diverged from the main lineage of Bears about six million years ago. Scientists think that glaciers blocked her passage out of India. In her migration North, Sloth Bear was stopped at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Sloth Bear adapted to life in the Tropics by eating fruits and Insects. By dragging her long front claws, she digs into Termite mounds. When Termites rush outside, Sloth Bear vacuums them up with her large mobile lips. In addition, her vacuuming is made easier by the lack of upper incisors in her jaw.

Sloth Bear lives a rich life. Spending time with her friends, she howls, roars, squeals, yelps, rattles, and gurgles with them. Even when she suns herself in a tree, Sloth Bear buzzes and hums. When she is out and about with her family, Sloth Bear cub rides on mother's back. Father Sloth Bear travels with them as well.

Sloth Bear changes people's perception of Bears. In fact, she asks them to expand their notions of life. Regardless of what people think, Sloth Bear is all Bear, even when she is buzzing in her tree.

*For more insight into this creature-teacher, I would suggest that you take a look at the Medicine of Ant and perhaps event he characteristics of Termites as well, since they are both part of the diet of a Sloth Bear.

Picture of Sloth Bear in her den

A drawing of Sloth Bear