HARLAN’S GROUND SLOTH

Harlans ground sloth (Glossotherium Harlani) was one of the largest and most common ground sloths out of three that have been discovered from the asphalt deposits. It was taller than six feet (1.8 meters) and weighed almost 3,500 pounds (1,587 kilograms)! It is a LOT different from it’s closest living relatives, the tree sloth of South and Central America, the anteater, and armadillo.

Harlan’s Ground Sloth had simple flat teeth detecting that they only ate plants and that means they are herbivores. They ate plants like twigs, roots, grass, and leaves.Harlan’s Ground sloth had powerful built arms and legs. It walked on the back of its forefeet and the sides of its hind feet.Harlan’s Ground Sloth had very small bony lumps under the skin of their neck and back called ossicles. They may have served as built in armor for protection against attack by predators.