The Mighty Sloth?

Saturday, October 19 is International Sloth Day.   How much do you know about the sloth other than it moves very slowly and sleeps a lot?

The Sloth Conservation Foundation has some interesting facts about this mammal that was first described in 1749.

Avocados – The now extinct giant ground sloth feasted on avocados, seed and all.  They were large enough to digest the seed and after they spread the seeds hither and yon.  Without these extinct sloths we might not enjoy avocados today.

Strength – the sloth has 30% less muscle but can lift its entire weight from birth with one arm.  If you are an average human, the sloth is three times stronger than you so beware.

Digestive System – unlike you and I a sloth only goes to the bathroom once a week but when they do they lose a third of their body weight! For those looking to lose weight that could be a dream come true.

Vision – we humans have one advantage over the sloth and it’s our sight.  Sloths are color-blind and can only see in dim light.  Bright daylight blinds them.  Good thing their sense of smell is phenomenal.

Speed – while sloths are not known for speed they can swim three times faster in water than they can move on land. Too bad they spend most of their time on land.

Private Home Health Care hopes you can share this information the next time someone talks about a sloth!