Animal Facts: The Anteater

Anteaters are South American mammals that feed on insects, mainly ants.
There are 4 species, ranging from the giant anteater, which lives on the ground and is almost 2m long, to the silky anteater, which lives in trees and measures only around 35cm.
All anteaters have a very long sticky tongue and big powerful claws. These features enable them to rip open rotten trunks and termite nests in search of their prey. The giant anteater also uses its claws to fight off dangerous predators such as pumas or jaguars. If cornered, they may also injure or kill human beings.
A great sense of smell and a stomach full of strong grinding muscles help them further in hunting and digesting the huge number of insects they have to eat daily to survive.

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