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Saving the Andean Bear, South America’s only bear species

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In the diverse mountain habitats of the Andes Mountains, the Andean bear is the focus of multiple conservation efforts. Local governments and organizations are working to provide safer spaces for the bears in the face of habitat loss, as well as to better associate the bears with Machu Picchu, the famed 15th-century Incan city and tourist attraction.

Though these particular bears don’t have strong markings, the Andean bear is also known as the spectacled bear because of the mask-like fur around its eyes. These San Diego Zoo photos provide a few archetypal examples.

spectacled bear
In the video above, biologist Carmen Soto provides a short tour of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and bear rescue center.

Carmen Soto
Arboreal and mostly-vegetarian, the Andean bear is the only bear native to South America, and was an inspiration for Paddington Bear. From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute:

“Andean bears live in a variety of mountain habitats. Many live between 6,000 and 8,800 feet (1,829 to 2,682 meters) above sea level, although others inhabit lower elevations. Habitat varies from rainforest, cloud forest and mossy, stunted elfin forest to thorny dry forest. They will also forage in grasslands next to forests.

“Fruits and bromeliads are favored foods, but spectacled bears also eat berries, grasses, bulbs, cactus flowers and small animals such as rodents, rabbits and birds. Near settlements, bears sometimes raid cornfields.

“Spectacled bears climb trees and forage on the ground. They will build stick platforms to reach elevated food and tear open masses of bromeliads with their sharp claws.”

andean bear
Next: More Andean Bear videos, including these curious cubs.

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