The bear species noted for using a vacuum-like feeding method on termites is the sloth bear.
The sloth bear, Melursus ursinus, is native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It locates termite and ant colonies primarily by smell, then tears open hard mounds with its long, curved claws. It blows away soil and debris before sucking the insects through its flexible lips and muzzle.
Several adaptations make this feeding method effective. Sloth bears can close their nostrils to keep dust and insects out, and adults lack their two upper front incisors, leaving a gap that helps them draw in termites. The loud sucking sound can reportedly be heard from as far as 180 metres away.
Their diet is not limited to insects: sloth bears also eat fruit, honey, flowers, grubs, carrion and crops. The name “sloth bear” refers to an early mistaken association with sloths, not to slow behaviour; they are capable climbers and can move quickly when threatened.