In the diverse mountain habitats of the Andes Mountains, the Andean bear, also known as the spectacled bear because of the mask-like fur around its eyes, 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.
In the video above, biologist Carmen Soto gives us a tour of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and bear rescue center as she discusses the bears’ role in the Peruvian ecosystem. Arboreal and mostly-vegetarian, the Andean bear is the only bear native to South America, and was an inspiration for Paddington Bear.
Next: More Andean Bear videos, including these curious cubs.
This Webby award-winning video collection exists to help teachers, librarians, and families spark kid wonder and curiosity. TKSST features smarter, more meaningful content than what's usually served up by YouTube's algorithms, and amplifies the creators who make that content.
Curated, kid-friendly, independently-published. Support this mission by becoming a sustaining member today.