11 Common Misconceptions About Anteaters (And You Probably Believed #7!)

5. Anteaters Are Completely Defenseless

This myth cannot be more erroneous. Though they seem helpless and weak, anteaters have strong defensive skills. Their very strong front claws—which can be up to four inches long—are their main weapon. These sharp claws can seriously hurt possible predators and tear into concrete termite mounds. Actually, even big predators such as jaguars consider carefully before attacking an adult anteater. Anteaters may defend themselves by standing on their hind legs and using their strong forearms and claws when attacked, therefore delivering perhaps fatal blows to assailants. Their thick hide shields against attack, and their swimming skill lets them from danger by into aquatic bodies. Their rear legs enable them to execute forceful kicks, and their robust tails enable them to keep equilibrium during fighting.