WSDOT crew removes large sloth stuffed animal from I-5 roadside near Bellingham

By Emma Toscani & Joe Teehan March 18, 2025 5:14 pm

BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The stuffed animal that went viral on local social media channels has been removed from its perch over I-5 just south of Bellingham.

Crews removed the giant sloth stuffed animal on the morning of Tuesday, March 18.

An unknown person had mounted the sloth high up on a tree on the east side of the interstate near Lake Samish just around one year ago.

During that time, the sloth made waves on the Bellingham Reddit page as it was clearly visible to travelers driving into Bellingham on northbound I-5.

No one came forward to take responsibility for placing the sloth in the trees.

Washington State Department of Transportation spokesperson Madison Sehlke says the removal was prompted by citizen complaints that it was a distraction and caused drivers to suddenly slow down on the road.

Sehlke says crews are cleaning and repairing “Slothy” and they currently have ideas for the stuffed animal’s next adventure.