Both kinds of sloths get electrocuted on a regular basis in areas where sloths and humans co-exist like our field site in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.  Electrocutions are a serious traumatic event that most sloths do not survive, even when given expert medical care.  This is because often the electric shock and burns, kill the sloth before help can arrive or the injuries are so severe that the only humane option is euthanasia.  When sloths do survive they are often left with debilitating scars or even amputated limbs.

Our research shows that the sloths who get electrocuted the most often are young adults looking for a new home.  This is when they are must vulnerable to starvation and human dangers, because they don’t know where they are going or what is waiting for them in a new territory.

The sloths who get electrocuted the most often are two-fingered sloths and their survival rate is 54%.  For three-fingered sloths the survival rate is much worse – only 9%.  This is likely due to where and how they get electrocuted.  Most sloths who die from electrocution die instantly or need to be euthanized. 

Therefore, the best way to save sloths from electrocution, is to PREVENT electrocution.  Unfortunately, preventing electrocution is not as simple as just insulating some wires.  Insulation does not offer 100% protection.  It requires a multifaceted approach.  The Sloth Institute works to prevent sloth electrocutions by: Working with the local electric company to cover dangerous areas, training FireFighters on proper sloth rescue techniques and improving habitat away from the wires to reduce the need to use the wires.