Giant anteater
The giant anteater uses its keen sense of smell, long, slender snout, sharp front claws, and long, thin tongue to catch ants. Located by scent, the nest or mound is carefully opened with a slash of the claws and the opening is expanded with the snout. The two-foot-long tongue darts in and out, picking up insects with saliva and tiny bristles.
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- Conservation StatusVulnerable
- Life span16 years
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Body size60-90 lbs.
20 in - Native habitat Grassland, lowland tropical forest of Central and South America
- DietInsects, fruits
