Shasta Ground Sloth

A Shasta ground sloth (Nothrotheriops shastensis) is a species of medium-sized ground sloth native throughout western North America. It was the third ground sloth species discovered to be still alive today, having been first discovered as a living animal in modern times in April 7th, 2019. The Shasta ground sloths is about the size of a large bear, but is a docile and peaceful vegetarian, feeding mainly on leaves, fruits, nuts, and seeds, including seeds of Joshua trees, thus this sloth plays an important role in the dispersal of Joshua trees, which could explain why Joshua trees are still around today. The Shasta ground sloths defend themselves by standing upright on hindlegs and tail and swiping with their long foreclaws, like its distant relative, the sasquatch. The Shasta ground sloths are common and are in no risk of extinction currently, being protected by conservationists and being able to tolerate much of human activities.