The Biggest Claw On Earth Is An Enormous 20cm Long And Shaped Like A Scythe. What It's Used For May Surprise You

It is generally known that animals such as bears, tigers and sloths have exceptionally long claws. But the creature that holds the world record might surprise you.

While two-toed and three-toed sloths have claws that grow between 7–10cm long, they aren’t the longest claws you’ll find in the animal kingdom.

Grizzly bears and Siberian tigers generally have claws that are around 10cm. But the animal with the longest claws is a little less daunting these two predators. The giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) is generally recognised as the animal with the longest claws.

Residing in South America, the giant armadillo has a third, sickle-shaped claw that can be up to 20cm long. That claw comes in at around 22 per cent of the animal’s body length.

The giant armadillo doesn’t tend to use its claws for self defence, but Instead to dig up ants, worms, spiders, snakes and plants to eat. It may not be an aggressive animal, but you definitely wouldn’t want to get a swipe from a giant armadillo.

Interestingly, the giant armadillo is also the mammal with the most number of teeth.

This article by Daisy Bowie-Sell was first published by Discover Wildlife on 25 June 2026. Lead Image: Kevin Schafer/Getty Images.