Sloth bears have a typical lifespan of from 20 to 30 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 33 years and 4 months, and a theoretical lifespan ranging from 16 years and 8 months to 33 years and 4 months. The species reaches sexual maturity from 3 to 5 years of age. The young’s eyes open from 4 weeks to 1 month and 2 weeks after birth. The embryo develops inside the mother for approximately seven months. A cub is born very small, drinks its mother's milk, and lives with her during a period lasting from 1 day to 2 years. The adult stage begins when the species actively searches for food, climbs trees, and can produce offspring, and lasts from 3 to 40 years.