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
Argentina
Bolivia
Official estimate
Colombia
Official estimate
Ecuador
Official estimate
Peru
Official estimate
Venezuela
Official estimate
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
