The Enciclopedia Salvat de la fauna points out: “The claws are for hunting food as well as for defense: When under attack the anteater uses them like sharpened stilettos, raising himself up on his hind legs with such skill and ability that they can cause serious injury and even put jaguars to flight. ”
فعندما يتعرض آكل النمل لهجوم ،‏ يقف على قائمتَيه الخلفيتَين ببراعة ومهارة ويستخدم مخالبه كخناجر حادّة تهدِّد بتسبيب جروح بالغة .‏