Underrated Animals: The Anteater, by Verona B.

A Quick Introduction to Underrated Animals

Underrated Animals intends to explore unheard and unknown animals around the world, aiming to broaden an understanding of the animals we share a planet with!

What are Anteaters? 

What would you get if you could have any pet in the world? The usual pick is any domesticated animal, but what about an anteater?

Salvador Dali walking a giant anteater through the streets of Paris, 1969. Photographer unknown.

There are four species of anteaters, all of which reside in Central and South America. The largest is the Giant Anteater (seen above), who lives up to the title! The Southern and Northern Tamanduas are in the middle, which are interestingly close in pattern and range. The smallest is the Silky anteater, but they go by a couple of names like the Pygmy or Dwarf anteater. Despite their underwhelming size, they’re by far the most interesting-looking. 

Photo credit - Great Big Story!

The Silky Anteater appears to be the only anteater that’s able to open its mouth widely. But despite the usual bite force of zero in other species and lack of teeth in all, anteaters can still be pretty dangerous! 

Giant anteaters have scarily large claws, so large that they need to walk on their fists—

Photo taken by Vidal Haddad, Jr.

Adding to the strangely impressive fear factor, some anteaters can gallop at a staggering speed of 30mph! (48Km!!) They’re just as well known to swim and even climb trees! 

Despite their scary features, anteaters can be pretty adorable!

Photo credit - ferrebeekeeper

Up above is a tamandua carrying its young, the anteaters do this since they’re unable to grab their cubs due to their sharp claws. Tamanduas carry them for around three months, while giant anteaters carry them for six! The silky anteater does this as well, which is surprising due to its small size.

So, knowing all this, would you get a pet anteater?