Jefferson's Ground Sloth (Megalonyx jeffersoni)
Exotic, but common during the Ice Age, Jefferson's ground sloth first appeared
in the Illinois Episode of the Quaternary Period. Unlike many species that
came from the Bering Strait land bridge, Megaloonyx jeffersoni
came from the south, spreading northward as far as Alaska. Large, more than
seven feet tall when upright, jeffersoni was heavily furred and possessed
a broad, strong tail that served as a prop for reaching branches. Its feet,
unlike those of tree sloths, bore the animals weight on its soles, further
providing stability for upward reaching. Its teeth were specialized for
leaf stripping. Despite long tapered claws, the sloth probably could not
defend itself well and may have been prey for large carnivores. Ground sloths
were widely distributed over North America during the Ice Age. Remains of
the sloth have been found in central Illinois. In southern North America
and in South America, ground sloths attained the size of elephants. A specimen
seventeen feet tall was found in Florida.