So last time we talked about carnivore teeth but they don’t make up the whole section. We also have a few omnivores. So while omnivores need some carnivore teeth to eat meat they also need a few different ones for eating other stuff.

Moon Bears

The main example I have to bring up is of course the bear. Our bears, Mika, Aroon and Baloo are Asiatic black bears (or as they are affectionately known, moon bears) and while they do eat a bit of meat the largest part of their diet is plant matter. This covers a wide variety of fruit, veg, hard mast and browse. They therefore need a set of teeth that can deal with anything the bears want to eat.

Moon bear teeth at Wingham Wildlife Park, Kent

They have 42 teeth in total. This includes 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars and 10 molars. This wide variety of teeth makes easy work of their extensive diet. This ability to eat all manner of things makes it easier for them to find enough food. This is very important in areas where they may go into hibernation especially pregnant females who need to support their cubs as well.

Asian Short Clawed Otter

Another impressive species we have on the carnivore section is the short clawed otter. This species is very different to the smooth otters which eat predominantly fish. These feisty little guys can also tackle an assortment of prey including fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals. They are also able to take on crustaceans and molluscs which they crack open with their teeth and strong bite. Vegetation is also on the menu so not a lot is turned down by these voracious otters.

Asian Short Clawed otter teeth. Wingham Wildlife Park, Kent.

Binturong

When it comes to teeth there is one more species that has to be mentioned and it is of course the binturong. Binturongs sport an impressive set of teeth and like their friends the bears and short claws they will eat all sorts. It is easy to get a big toothy smile off our lovely Karna.

With these fantastic fangs playing such an important role in our animals lives it is very important to keep a close eye on their condition. Early signs that there may be a problem is excessive dribbling and refusing to eat. With training we can take this a step further and ask the animal to open its mouth. This allows us to look inside to make sure there are no problems without having to call a vet just to check up.

See what teeth you can see on your next visit to us.

About Sarah - Head of Carnivores

When our previous head of carnivores moved on to another job, Sarah stepped up from her position as senior keeper in this section to take charge of the section as a whole. Her love for cats doesn't stop at work as she's also a cat owner at home.