• The sloth bear is the only bear specialised on insects: it sucks termites through a gap in its teeth.
• The sloth bear lacks two central upper incisors, creating a passage in its lips. This passage continues into a "tube" formed by elongated, movable lips.
• The sloth bear got its name Melursus because of its love for honey. From March to June, when fruits ripen, honey can make up to 50% of its diet.
• Produces loud sucking sounds while feeding, audible 100 m away.

The sloth bear primarily feeds on ants and termites, breaking open their nests with its forepaws and then sucking in the insects through a tube formed by its long lips and tongue; it also consumes fruits, flowers, and occasionally small animals. The species employs raids on insect nests to obtain food, and its diet includes ants, beetles, flies, moths, butterflies, honey, flowers, nectar, and fruit. The young sloth bear feeds on milk. Daily food requirements range from 1.5 kilograms to 5 kilograms. The animal is eaten in some cultures, but it is not considered halal or kosher.