Spectacled bear

The last surviving bear species of South America, native to the Andes mountains

Bettina Arrigoni

Not only that – they are also the last remaining of the short-faced bears’ subfamily. Their coats vary from dark brown to jet black and even a reddish hue. The markings across their face and upper chest are beige or ginger-colored, and the facial marking of each bear is unique.

They are currently listed as Vulnerable, and the primary threats are hunting, habitat loss, and degradation. They are hunted because the gall bladder has a very high value in traditional oriental medicine and can get to a high price tag on the market, approximately US$150 for one.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Argentina
2016
Presence Uncertain, Vagrant
Bolivia
3,000
Official estimate
VU
2016
Colombia
3,000–6,000
Official estimate
VU
2016
Ecuador
1,200–2,000
Official estimate
VU
2016
Peru
5,000
Official estimate
VU
2016
Venezuela
1,100–1,600
Official estimate
VU
2016
Andean mountain range

Recent updates

Jan 2022: The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Peru announced the creation of a new protected area for spectacled bears in the country’s northeastern region. The 86.5 km² (8,650 hectare) reserve, called the Chachapoyas Andean Bear Conservation Area, will provide a habitat for one of the largest known populations of spectacled bears in Peru.

July 2021: The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Ecuador announced the completion of a conservation plan for spectacled bears in the country’s northern Andes region. The plan includes measures such as the establishment of new protected areas, the restoration of degraded habitats, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices to reduce human-bear conflicts.

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size)/ Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No

Spectacled bear on banknotes

Venezuela 50 Bolivar (2007)