The giant anteater is about 5’11” long including the tail. There are four species of anteater. They’re closely related to sloths. Their next closest relative is the armadillo. Several species of anteater are already extinct. They have a long thin tongue that can extend to a length greater than the length of their head. Their tube shaped mouth have lips but no teeth. They use their large, curved five claws to tear open ant and termite mounds. For defense their dense, long fur protects them from the biting insects. All species except for the giant anteater have prehensile tails. They have poor vision but an excellent sense of smell. They are found in dry tropical forests, rainforests, grasslands and savannas of Central and South America.