MAMMAL MONDAY #87

MAMMAL MONDAY #87

It’s off to South America for us today! Are you packed and ready to join us? We’re off to find a large mammal with an extraordinarily looooong tongue! Do you have a guess on who it might be? Grab your gear and let’s head out on today’s adventure!

MEET THE GIANT ANTEATER!

   Range/Habitat: Central- South America/ grasslands, forests,

   swamps

   Diet: Insectivore: termites, ants

   Length/Weight: 5 ½-7 ¼ ft/ 60-90 lbs

   Conservation Status: vulnerable

Fun Facts:

•          Giant anteaters have long tubular snouts with tiny mouths.
•          They have 2 ft long tongues.
•          Giant anteaters have poor eyesight.
•          Giant anteaters have an excellent sense of smell.
•          They have large front claws to dig in termite mounds.
•          Giant anteaters are excellent swimmers.

Giant anteaters are such great creatures! They are related to sloths! Who knew that? When baby anteaters are born, they ride on their mothers backs!