The oso perezoso, which translates to lazy bear, was found by transit police and it appeared to be frightened as it clung to a barrier along the highway.

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The Ecuador Highway Commission shared photos of the encounter on its Facebook page.

In a comment under the post, the department was able to get the sloth examined by a veterinarian and it was determined to be well enough to be released back into the wild.

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez