The Andean bear, often called the spectacled bear because of the light-colored markings around its eyes, lives high in the cloud forests and mountain grasslands of the Andes Mountains in South America. These bears are rarely seen in the wild—but they’re full of charm and are the only bears native to the continent.
Andean bears are medium-sized compared to other bears. Adult males can weigh up to 400 pounds, while females are smaller—sometimes less than half that size. Their thick, shaggy fur helps keep them warm in the cool, misty mountains where they roam.
Each Andean bear has its own unique face pattern, like a fingerprint. Some have full “glasses” around their eyes, while others have just a few light spots. These markings help researchers tell individual bears apart in the wild and in zoos.
These bears are omnivores, but they mostly eat plants. In fact, about 85% of their diet is vegetation, including fruits, leaves, bromeliads, and even cactus. They’ll also snack on small animals, insects, or eggs when the opportunity arises. They’re excellent climbers and often build leafy nests high in trees to nap or eat in peace.
The Andean bear is currently listed as Vulnerable, with fewer than 20,000 believed to exist in the wild. Habitat loss and human conflict are major threats, and many zoos are part of global efforts to protect these rare and wonderful bears.
