Details
Tremarctos ornatus
The spectacled bear is the only bear native to South America. Pale markings around the eyes vary by individual, and much of its diet is fruit and vegetation.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits Neotropical mountain forest and cloud forest. Andean forest, shrubland, and grassland edges are used as seasonal plant foods change.
Length 120-200 cm; weight 60-175 kg. Dark fur is marked with white to yellowish patches on the face and chest. A short muzzle and strong forelimbs suit climbing and tearing plants.
Cathemeral and solitary, it climbs well. It may break branches to form simple feeding platforms or resting sites in trees.
An omnivore with a heavily plant-based diet, it eats fruit, bromeliads, palms, and shoots. Insects, small animals, and carrion are taken opportunistically.
Females give birth to small litters in secure dens and care for cubs for an extended period. Young learn seasonal feeding routes by following the mother.
It is listed as Vulnerable. Loss of mountain forest, agricultural expansion, and persecution over livestock conflict are key threats.
