Like some bears, sloth bears can delay implantation of the fertilized embryo if the food supply is scarce. One to three cubs are born in the dry season, usually in December or early January. Birth occurs in a den, cave, or a shelter beneath boulders. Although newborn cubs have strong toes and forelegs, they are extremely tiny and blind at birth. Their eyes open in about three weeks, and they can walk at four weeks.
Rapid growth occurs, mostly in the legs.
Young receive nourishment from their protein-rich mother's milk for up to three years, but start to sample other foods when 2 to 3 months old. For cubs, extensive knowledge of their surroundings is critical to their survival, and the mother is considered a patient and sensitive teacher. Sloth bear cubs have a good chance of survival, as male sloth bears rarely display the predatory instincts toward cubs observed in other bear species. Cubs stay with their mother until they are independent and can care for themselves, at 2 or more years of age. Hence, females have breeding intervals of two or three years.