Spectacled Bear

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The Spectacled Bear is the only species of bear found in South America, living in the forested regions of the Andes Mountains.

Like most of the other bears listed here, Spectacled Bears are omnivores, feeding on a variety of fruits, nuts, insects and small mammals in their territory. Studies of the stomache content of some animals shows that up to niney five per cent of their diet consists of plants, seeds and fruits.

They get their name from the light patch of fur on their nose and around their eyes. It looks like the bear is wearing spectacles.

Spectacled Bears are are listed as a vunerable species, the category next to endangered. Habitat loss is their primary problem. There is also some illegal hunting of the species.

© 2006 Patricia A. Michaels.