Sloth bears, with their shaggy coats and distinctive white chest markings, are a unique species native to the Indian subcontinent. India offers several sanctuaries and national parks where these elusive creatures can be observed in their natural habitats. Here is a curated list of seven notable locations across India known for sloth bear sightings, along with insights into why each area provides an ideal environment for them.
- Sloth bears have remarkable cognitive abilities — with their 3-inch curved claws, they can not only dig efficiently to unearth insects, but can use them to become formidable weapons when they’re faced with danger. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Atharva Pacharne]
1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
Spread over 446 sq km in the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is one of India’s best wildlife reserves to see sloth bears in their natural habitat. Although the park is renowned for its population of Bengal tigers, its highly sal-dominated forests with dense thickets of sturdy bamboos and fruit-bearing species of flora such as amla (Indian gooseberry), arjun tree and bahera (bedda nut tree), coupled with the presence of insects and small vertebrates, provides perfect foraging land for sloth bears. The rugged terrain and rock outcrops benefit sloth bears when they are most active at twilight or at night. Other great places in Madhya Pradesh to witness sloth bear spotting include Kanha, Pench, Satpura, and Madhav National Parks, which provide these species with environments to thrive in.
- Sloth bears do not have front teeth, and this creates a perfect gap in their mouths to suck up termites from the ground! [Photo © Wildlife SOS]
2. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra
Spanning 622.87 sq km, Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is an important habitat for sloth bears as its dry deciduous forests are dominated by bamboo and teak — the perfect setting for sloth bears. The Moharli and Kolsa zones are especially famous for spotting sloth bears, particularly along dry riverbeds where they use their claws to hunt for food. These sites provide both rocky outcrops and heavy cover with vegetation, giving sloth bears ample to eat and rest under. Travellers and wildlife enthusiasts tend to catch these shy animals on early morning or evening safaris, making Tadoba an ideal site for sloth bear admirers.
- While sloth bears are omnivorous, they rely on fruit to support their appetite, which is why areas abundant with their kind are also replete with local fruit-bearing trees. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Hemanta Bijoy Chakma]
3. Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarhole) National Park, Karnataka
Situated in the Kodagu and Mysore districts, Nagarhole National Park covers an area of approximately 640 sq km and forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. As an extension of the Western Ghats, the park nurtures moist deciduous forests and unique swampy marsh habitats, which enables local flora and fauna species to thrive. Among its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystem reside sloth bears, one of the notable inhabitants of Nagarhole. Known for having large honey combs in trees, these bears are often seen climbing them to get hold of the sweet delight! The Kabini backwaters area, in particular, is recognised for frequent sloth bear sightings, where these elusive creatures are often observed foraging for termites.
- Sloth bears are socially tolerant of other sloth bears as their home ranges overlap and belong to both sexes. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Hemanta Bijoy Chakma]
4. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Situated in the Western Ghats, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 777 sq km and is famous for its high and varied biodiversity. The forests are a mix of tropical, evergreen and deciduous, and also have vast stretches of grasslands, making it ideal for numerous species of wildlife like Asian elephants, endangered lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, the giant hornbill, and of course, sloth bears! Sighting a sloth bear may take its time while you’re on a safari since they reside deep inside the thick forests. The sanctuary’s diverse flora provides ample foraging opportunities for sloth bears, supporting their dietary needs.
- The unique behaviour of sloth bear mothers carrying their cubs on their backs for the first six to nine months of their lives highlights exceptional mindfulness among them. [Photo © Wildlife SOS]
5. Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Gujarat
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary spreads over an area of around 180.66 sq km in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district. Within the Aravalli hills, the sanctuary consists of dry deciduous forests, seasonal water bodies, desert thorn forests and grassy patches of land. Formed specially for the purpose of sustaining sloth bear population, the diverse landscape of this sanctuary also reveals the astounding adaptability of these remarkable bears. The sanctuary also caters to a range of reptiles, is rich with avian life, and is a keeper of animals such as leopards, blue bulls, wild boars, and porcupines — all of which maintain a healthy ecosystem.
- For the last decade, Wildlife SOS has been working tirelessly to study sloth bears that are categorised as Vulnerable under IUCN’s Red List. [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Atharva Pacharne]
6. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka
Situated in the Ballari district of Karnataka, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the first sanctuary in Asia dedicated to sloth bears and covers an area of 82.72 sq km. Predominantly covered with dry deciduous and thorn forests, the terrain boasts of bulging rock surfaces and caves that provide perfect protection for sloth bears, particularly during the region’s hot summer season. The sanctuary also harbours wild fruits, termites, and insects for the bears to feast on.
- Sloth bears have received little attention — few are aware that the famous bear ‘Baloo’ from The Jungle Book is actually a sloth bear! [Photo © Wildlife SOS/Hemanta Bijoy Chakma]
7. Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka
Spanning 167.59 sq km in the Sandur and Kudligi taluks of Ballari, Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is India’s second sanctuary to solely protect sloth bears. Dry deciduous and thorn scrub forests characterise the landscape, with rocky hills, fruit trees such as custard apple and jamun (Java plum), and natural caves that provide the best possible dens for sloth bears. The sanctuary currently hosts an estimated population of 50–60 sloth bears, along with a rich fauna of leopards, jackals, civets, hyenas, and well over 130 species of birds. Food sources, safe shelter, and limited human disturbances, this sanctuary stands as a benchmark for sloth bear conservation in southern India.
- While bears have the reputation of being dangerous, it is rather surprising to note that sloth bears are, in fact, quite shy in nature. [Photo © Wildlife SOS//Hemanta Bijoy Chakma]
Sloth bears are an integral part of India’s forest ecosystems, playing crucial roles as seed dispersers and as termite population controllers. However, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching continue to threaten their survival. Exploring these seven destinations offers not only a chance to witness sloth bears in the wild, but also an opportunity to understand the growing need to protect their natural homes. Sloth bears are primarily nocturnal and are most often seen at dawn or dusk, making sightings in the wild both rare and exquisite. Responsible tourism is therefore essential to ensure these shy animals are neither disturbed nor stressed.
- Sloth bears have pedal glands in their feet that secrete specific scents and adult males grind their feet on the ground to leave this distinct smell before and during the mating season. [Photo © Wildlife SOS]
While inside wildlife sanctuaries, visitors should remain silent to blend within the landscape and allow nature to reveal its residents without any interference. Ethical wildlife photography plays a key role here — one should avoid using flash photography, and maintain a distance from animals in their habitat so that they do not need to alter their regular routines. Photography, when done responsibly, not only documents wildlife but also inspires conservation by revealing nature’s hidden stories. Intentionally provoking reactions from animals in the wild is a poor and distressing approach that must be avoided. Well-managed wildlife tourism is one of the best ways we can prevent poaching activities from taking place, adding support to animal and habitat conservation, and providing meaningful employment for local communities who act as stewards and guides. Adhering to sanctuary rules, respecting wildlife boundaries, and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives are fundamental to protecting both animals and their fragile ecosystems.
- When a pregnant sloth bear mother enters her den to give birth, she will not exit the den for food or water for 3-7 weeks. [Photo © Wildlife SOS]
As observed in the above mentioned sanctuaries, protecting sloth bears has resulted in many other wild species to prosper in their habitat. Wildlife SOS’s Ramdurga Habitat Restoration Project in Karnataka was also begun to revive the number of sloth bears that had declined as the land became arid. However, today this project highlights how once a barren, mined-out area is now a lush landscape that supports sloth bears along with countless other species. By planting thousands of native trees and involving local communities as guardians, the project has not only revived sloth bear populations, but also restored a thriving ecosystem that caters to leopards, pangolins, turtles, and diverse flora. This rejuvenated landscape now acts as a vital wildlife corridor, reconnecting fragmented habitats and enhancing biodiversity. Ramdurga stands as a powerful testament to how conservation, community participation, and sustained commitment can rebuild wild places where sloth bears and many other species can once again roam free.
- The revival of Ramdurga Valley was key in bringing back sloth bears and the lost biodiversity. [Photo © Wildlife SOS]
Wildlife SOS continues to lead sloth bear conservation through its rescue operations, habitat protection, and community outreach programmes. Over the past two decades, the organisation has successfully rescued over 600 sloth bears that were victims of the ‘dancing’ bear practice or snare traps, providing them a chance to receive medical attention and live peacefully in large, forested enclosures. By supporting such initiatives or simply spreading awareness, each of us can contribute to the preservation of this remarkable species and ensure that sloth bears continue to roam India’s wild landscapes for generations to come.
Every rescued sloth bear has a story of resilience and hope. By supporting our efforts through donations, you help provide lifelong care, nourishment, and safety to bears that have endured immense hardship. Your compassion can help transform their future.
Feature image: Wildlife SOS/ Atharva Pacharne
