Spectacled Bear

The largest carnivore in South America, the Andean Bear or Spectacled Bear is the only bear found in Latin America. It gets its name from the white markings around its eyes. It is a relatively small bear with dense black or brown fur. It is extremely timid and prefers densely wooded areas.

Primarily omnivorous it has a strong preference for bromeliads and fruits but has also been observed eating moss, cacti, orchids, bamboo, honey, tree wood, palms, invertebrates, small mammals, birds, and insects. It is an important seed disperser for trees whose seeds are too large for other species to consume. It is responsible for the spreading of three different types of trees in its habitat.

Like most bears, the Andean Bear has longer front limbs than hind limbs as well as long claws for climbing trees. It spends a great deal of time in the forest canopy and has been observed building platforms in trees to facilitate foraging and sleeping. Olfaction is the dominant form of communication, but it also has at least five distinct vocalizations.