An anteater's tongue can extend up to an impressive 2 feet in length! Plus, discover 7 other strange and fascinating facts about these unique creatures.

When you picture an anteater, you likely envision a quirky mammal with unique features that make it well-suited for feasting on ants and termites. But did you know that there are four distinct anteater species, each with its own size and shape? These include the silky anteater, northern and southern tamanduas, and the most famous one, the giant anteater (also known as the 'ant bear').

"In general, the giant anteater's size is similar to that of a Labrador retriever," says Rick Schwartz, global ambassador for California's San Diego Zoo, in an email interview. "Its dense, coarse fur covers the body and tail, with the tail nearly as long as the body. The hair flows downward, and the head is long and narrow, sloping down to a lengthy snout with a small mouth at the end. While coloration varies regionally, anteaters are typically grayish-brown with black markings."

Here are some more fascinating facts about giant anteaters, as shared by Schwartz: Their sense of smell is about 40 times more sensitive than that of humans, allowing them to detect insects with incredible precision. At a body temperature of 91°F (32°C), they possess one of the lowest temperatures found in mammals, likely due to their low-calorie insect diet. Although not endangered, there are only around 5,000 giant anteaters left in the wild.

Check out eight more amazing facts about anteaters.

1. Anteaters Belong to the Xenarthra Order, Just Like Armadillos

"This order also includes sloths and armadillos," explains Melissa Ciccariello, the zookeeper responsible for anteaters at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, in an email interview. "Anteaters and sloths began diverging from armadillos about 66 million years ago."

2. Anteaters Don’t Have the Longest Tongue of Any Animal

The giant anteater's tongue measures around 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 centimeters) in length, but the blue whale holds the record for the largest tongue of any animal alive today, according to Schwartz. "Even in terms of tongue length relative to body size, the anteater doesn't come out on top," he points out. "That title belongs to the nectar bat and the chameleon." Ciccariello adds, "Giant anteaters' tongues resemble long black worms, and they often extend them after waking up."

3. Anteaters Use Their "Spaghetti-like" Tongue to Reach into Ant Hills and Termite Mounds for Food

"They break open ant and termite mounds with their claws," explains Ciccariello. "Their tongues flick into the tunnels—up to 150 times per minute—and the insects stick to the saliva-covered tongue." Once the insects are brought into the mouth, Schwartz adds, the anteater crushes them with the roof of its mouth and swallows them. Interestingly, they don't fully destroy the mounds. "That way," Ciccariello says, "they can return to feed from it again later."

4. An Anteater Can Consume Up to 30,000 Ants or Termites a Day

"Anteaters mostly feast on ants and termites, but it's not unusual for them to snack on fallen fruit," says Schwartz. "They prefer super-ripe, soft fruit like mangos and avocados that have dropped to the ground. Their claws help break open the fruit, and then they use their lips to pull the fruit into their mouths," adds Ciccariello.

5. Anteaters Curl Up Into a Ball and Use Their Tails for Cover

"This behavior helps them blend into their surroundings," says Ciccariello, "and they can also use their tail as a fan to help cool themselves down."

6. Anteaters Have Large, Sharp Claws on Their Front Feet

"As a result, they walk with their front feet slightly curled, so they end up walking more on their knuckles than their toes," explains Schwartz. "This walking method helps prevent the claws from wearing down. It's essential because these claws are one of the anteater's primary tools to break open termite mounds, rotting wood, and ant hills in search of food."

7. Anteaters Can Be Dangerous to Humans If They Feel Threatened

"It's important to give them space if you encounter one," advises Schwartz. "While they can't bite due to the small size of their mouth, which is only big enough for their tongue to move in and out, their large, sharp claws can serve as effective weapons." Ciccariello adds, "They are capable of standing on their back legs and striking. With their powerful forearms and claws that can grow quite long, they have the potential to severely injure a human."

8. In Certain Areas, It's Legal to Own One as a Pet

"However, they require a very specific diet," explains Schwartz. "You would need to have a veterinarian experienced in the care of this species to meet their unique medical needs."

They can also be quite destructive. "Anteaters love to dig and rip things apart. Given half a chance, they'd tear through walls in no time!" adds Ciccariello.