The Andean or spectacled bear is South America’s only bear, and is also known as the South American bear and Ukuku. It is also South America’s second largest land mammal next to the tapir.
There is evidence that these bears climb cactus 23 feet high to get at fruit on the crown. Some believe they might climb as high as 90 feet to gather food.
Physical Characteristics
Distinctive white circles or semi-circles around the eyes distinguish "spectacled" bears, which give the animal its common name, but these are often slight or even lacking. They have a chunky body with short legs and an almost invisible tail. The muzzle is shorter than that of most bears, their scent is keen, but vision less so. Males can weigh between 286 and 440 lbs., and females are much smaller. The thick fur is uniformly black or dark brown, and the feet have sharp, non-retractable claws. They are highly adapted to climbing, climbing trees with ease and "shimmying" up sturdy vines. They also swim quite well.
Life span in the wild is unknown, but in captivity, Andean bears live from 20 to 36 years.
Habitat/Diet
Andean bears live in various habitats in the South America/Andes Mountain area, in brush savannas, grasslands and damp forests of western Venezuela, Ecuador, north Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and occasionally Argentina and Panama.
These bears are omnivores, and are well adapted to a diet of tough, fibrous plants. In the wild, they eat fruits, berries, seeds, sprouts, bromeliads, small game, and occasionally ungulates and carrion. Only 4% of the normal diet is protein. At the Zoo, they are fed a diet of fruit, vegetables and "omnivore chow."
Social Behavior
Because of the dense jungle habitats, little data is available on Andean bears in the wild. It is believed that, like other bears, this species is solitary. Females rear young away from males and other females. Like their other tropical cousins, Andean bears do not become dormant, because there is no true "winter" season. Sows appear to "den up" for birth, taking refuge in caves, hollows under large tree roots or even clumps of brush.
Status In The Wild
The population size of this species is uncertain, as few surveys have been carried out. Peyton, in "Bear in the Eyebrow of the Jungle" estimated a total count of 250 individuals in Manu National Park of the Machu Pichu region, (an area half the size of the state of California). The IUCN Red Data Book lists the species as Vulnerable.
Andean bear meat is highly prized in northern Peru where the animals are also killed for their skin and fat. They are hunted by those who consider them a threat to livestock and for trophies by sportsmen.
Other
The Zoo has a female and male pair of Andean bears. They can be found on the Bear Grottos, across from the Terrace Café.
