Spectacled Bear

The spectacled bear is the only bear species native to South America, found along the Andes mountains from Venezuela to Bolivia in cloud forest, high grassland and scrub habitat. It takes its common name from the pale, often irregular rings of cream or yellowish fur around its eyes, which mark each individual differently, set against an otherwise black or dark brown coat. Primarily herbivorous, it feeds mainly on fruit, bromeliads, cactus and orchid bulbs, occasionally supplementing its diet with insects, rodents and carrion, and it is an agile climber that builds platform nests high in trees to rest and feed. It is generally shy and solitary, avoiding human contact where possible, though conflict with farmers over crop and livestock losses does occur in parts of its range. Habitat loss and hunting have reduced its numbers, and the species is classified as vulnerable, with conservation efforts focused on protecting the remaining Andean forest corridors it depends on.