The Mapinguari is a reported form of presumed extinct ground sloth thought by some to still live in the jungles of South America, not to be mistaken for the Mapinguary which is a reported form of unknown hominid thought to inhabit the same region. The Mapinguari is generally thought to have died out around ten thousand years ago but survived as late as the 1500’s and may even still be thriving in the remote jungles of South America. These sandy red haired vegetarians emerged around 30 million years ago and, according to fossil records, roamed the North and South America, the Caribbean and Antarctica.

The Mapinguari which is actually believed to be a species of Mylodon, a medium sized ground sloth, weighted about 500 pounds and stood up to 9 feet when standing on its hind legs. These large marsupials had very large claws that curled under their feet and faced backwards when they walked on all fours. They reportedly ate leaves and may have even been raised by local inhabitants at one time as a source of food, similar to today’ cattle.. The Mylodon was related to the modern, though much smaller, three toed sloth and two toed sloth. The existence of the Mapinguari went mainstream in 1994 when biologist David Oren told The New York times that the Amazonians were reporting sightings of this medium sized ground sloth; however he had no physical evidence to support his theory and as a result the scientific community still considers the Mapinguari, Mylodon, to be extinct.

The Evidence
Some strange tracks on the ground and odd claw marks on trees have been found and documented in remote regions of South America, however no physical evidence of the Mapinguari exists to this day.

The Sightings
No documented sightings of the Mapinguari could be found at this time.

The Stats – (Where applicable)

• Classification: Presumed Extinct / Other
• Size: 6 to 9 feet tall
• Weight: 500 pounds
• Diet: Vegetation
• Location: South America
• Movement: 4 legged walking
• Environment: Tropical Forest