Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are a species of bear found within the Indian Subcontinent. They are mainly nocturnal insectivores, but will readily take to fruits and honey if within reach.
These bears were popular as dancing bears on the streets of India as they were easilytamable. The cubs were oftencaughtby poachers and traders after killing their mothers. Even thought the Government of India had banned this practice as early as 1972, the dancing bears were still found on the streets. After a seven year long campaign led by Indian and International animal welfare groups and NGOs, the last Dancing Bear was finally released free.
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