Ecuador traffic police rescue frightened sloth from highway

QUEVEDO, Ecuador, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Authorities in Ecuador shared photos of an adorable but terrified sloth found clinging to a barrier at the side of a recently-opened highway.

The Ecuador Transit Commission shared pictures on Facebook of a sloth that apparently became frightened while trying to cross the highway in Quevedo and ended up clinging to a roadside barrier.

Police said the sloth -- or "lazy bear" as they are known in Ecuador -- was examined by a veterinarian before being released back into the wild.

The executive director of the Ecuador Transit Commission issued an order after the incident that any animals found on streets and highways must be assisted by authorities.