# spectacled bear (*Tremarctos ornatus*) The spectacled bear is the only bear found in South America. They have unique markings around their eyes that look like glasses, which is why they are called 'spectacled' bears! - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Habitat:** Mountain regions - **Also known as:** Andean Bear ![spectacled bear](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Zool%C3%B3gico_Paraguan%C3%A1_-_Oso_frontino_Pacheco.jpg&width=800) Photo: Escarabajo Lunar, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zool%C3%B3gico_Paraguan%C3%A1_-_Oso_frontino_Pacheco.jpg) ## Appearance The spectacled bear has shaggy, dark brown to black fur. It is easily recognized by unique creamy-white or yellowish markings around its eyes, resembling spectacles, which can sometimes extend down its chest. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Ursidae - **Genus:** Tremarctos ## Interesting facts - Every spectacled bear has a unique pattern of facial markings, just like human fingerprints! - Spectacled bears often build platforms high in trees where they rest and eat their meals in peace! - They are often called 'Andean bears' because they live exclusively in the Andes mountains. - They are the ONLY bear species found in South America, making them truly special! ## Special abilities - **Tree Master:** The spectacled bear can climb trees easily because of its strong claws and agile body, helping them reach food and safety. - **Plant Power:** The spectacled bear has powerful jaws and large molars that help them crush tough plants like bromeliads and palm nuts. - **Keen Sniffer:** The spectacled bear can find hidden food like fruits and insects because of its excellent sense of smell. - **Delayed Delivery:** The spectacled bear has a unique ability called delayed implantation, which helps time cub births for when food is plentiful. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 120-200 cm - **Weight:** 60-170 kg - **Lifespan:** 20-30 years - **Speed:** 50 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-3 - **Gestation:** 160-240 days ## Diet & Feeding These bears mostly munch on plants and fruits, but they'll snack on insects and small creatures too! - **Primary Foods:** fruits, bromeliads, palm nuts, cactus, insects, small rodents - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Cougar](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cougar) (*Puma concolor*) — Cubs may be preyed upon by pumas. - **Eats:** Ojé tree (*Ficus insipida*) — Eats the fruits of fig trees. - **Eats:** Leafcutter Ant (*Atta cephalotes*) — Feeds on leafcutter ants. - **Eats:** Peach Palm (*Bactris gasipaes*) — Consumes the nutritious fruit and nuts of peach palms. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate If you see a bear in the wild, stay calm and quietly walk away. Never approach them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify spectacled bear? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is spectacled bear? 120-200 cm ### How much does spectacled bear weigh? 60-170 kg ### How long does spectacled bear live? 20-30 years ### How fast can spectacled bear move? 50 km/h ### What does spectacled bear eat? These bears mostly munch on plants and fruits, but they'll snack on insects and small creatures too! ### Where is spectacled bear usually found? Mountain regions ### How does spectacled bear hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Alexandria Zoological Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alexandria-zoological-park) — Louisiana, US · Zoo - [Potawatomi Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/potawatomi-zoo) — Indiana, US · Zoo - [Belfast Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/belfast-zoo) — Northern Ireland, GB · Zoo - [Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/connecticuts-beardsley-zoo) — Connecticut, US · Zoo - [Nashville Zoo at Grassmere](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/nashville-zoo-at-grassmere) — Tennessee, US · Zoo - [Salisbury Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/salisbury-zoo) — Maryland, US · Zoo [View all places to see spectacled bear](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/spectacled-bear) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Spectacled Bear: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spectacled-bear)