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Meet the AnimalsGiant anteater 
A lot of animals are insectivores, with a diet that is primarily insects such as ants or beetles. But the most impressive by far is the Giant Anteater of South America. This large mammal is covered in long bristly fur and has an extended, cylindrical snout. Its tongue is as long as its tail, and can extend almost three feet (one meter). Its feet have long sharp claws, which it uses to rip apart ant hills and termite mounds. It then feasts on the bugs inside by sticking its snout down into the mound and licking up the bugs with its tongue. One Giant Anteater can consume up to 30,000 ants a day, and they often travel from mound to mound, eating a few here and a few there. Their claws do not retract, and as an adaptation to keep them from breaking or getting dull, the claws and the paw turn under when the anteater walks, so that they actually walk on their wrists instead of their paws. They are generally solitary creatures, travelling alone. The only exception are mother-infant pairs, or when they are breeding. While they can cover a large home territory, they don't try to exert control over other Anteaters and are more likely to run away than to fight. When forced to defend themselves, they will rear up on their hind legs and use their front claws as a weapon. Generally these anteaters mate in the spring, and give birth to only one infant. When very young, the infant will travel on its mother's back, and will stay with the mother for up to two years before becoming fully independent. Photo © Corel Corp. Return to Meet the Animals |
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