Spectacled bear
Scientific name: Tremarctos ornatus
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.
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At Noah's Ark...
We have 4 Spectacled bears... Rasu, Madidi, Beni and Tuichi.
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We live...
Between the Lion enclosure and the Rhea enclosure.
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Size Fact
Male bears can grow to 2 meters in length (from head to tail).
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Food Fact
Spectacled bears are omnivores. They mostly eat vegetation but do also eat insects, birds and carrion. They occasionally eat livestock too.
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Fun Fact
They are known as ‘spectacled’ bears due to the white circles of fur that occur around their eyes
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