Name

Spectacled bear

Scientific Name

Tremarctos ornatus

Characteristics

The spectacled (or Andean) bear is the only bear species that is native to South America. They are agile climbers and are known for their ability to build nests high up in trees.

The spectacled bear’s fur is predominately black or dark brown. The male bears are larger than the females and can weigh up to 175kg. Female spectacled bears can weigh up to 80kg.

Spectacled bears are native to the mountainous regions of South America and have been found at altitudes of up to 4,750 meters. However, they are very hardy creatures and are renowned for being highly adaptable to any habitat.

The spectacled bear faces many threats including hunting, human-wildlife conflict and habitat destruction. Sadly, the number of spectacled bears in the wild has dropped significantly in recent years.

Diet

Spectacled bears are omnivores. They mostly eat vegetation but do also eat insects, birds and carrion. They occasionally eat livestock too.

Size Fact

Male bears can grow to 2 meters in length (from head to tail).

Food Fact

Meat comprises less than 10% of the spectacled bear’s diet.

Fun Fact

They are known as ‘spectacled’ bears due to the white circles of fur that occur around their eyes

IUCN Red list

Spectacled bears are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Where do I live?

They are native to South America.

 Our bears

We have two bears, a male Spectacled bear called Rasu and a female called Madidi.