The+Spectacled+Bear

The spectacled bear lives in the Andean jungles of South America. They make their dens in any type of cave to raise their young. Also, the spectacled bear is believe to be the only bear found on the continent.

The spectacled are among the smallest bears in the Ursidae family. Males are much larger than females by almost 160 pounds. Most of the species grows to be an average of five feet in length. The average male weighs up to 360 pounds while the average female weighs up to 180 pounds.

A spectacled bear is usually black, brown, or auburn except near their eyes. Around their eyes are circles that are white or yellowish. These circles are how this animal was given its name. The markings look like a pair of glasses or spectacles. Although this is their signature marking, some of the bear lack the marking all together.

These are shy bears who will live at high altitudes. They will climb down thousands of feet to search for food to eat and bring to their cubs. Spectacled bears are omnivores but still mainly live on plants and flowers. When vegetation is low they will supplement their diet with small rodents, birds, and even small cows.

Currently the population of the spectacled bear is decreasing. The population decrease is caused by habitat destruction. Also, poachers hunt them for their thick fur and meat.

By: Elli Duensing