SPECTACLED BEAR

Tremarctos ornatus

MAMMAL

Order Carnivora

Description
4.5-6 ft; 200-350 lbs. Black to blackish-brown. Pattern of white circle or semi-circle around each eye. These "spectacle" patterns differ in each animal and may extend from the cheeks to the chest.

Range
western Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, western Bolivia and Panama. Only bear known in South America.

Status

While not currently listed as endangered, this species is protected from commercial trade by international law. It is a member of the Spectacled Bear SSP. Lincoln Park Zoo publishes the International Stud book for the Spectacled Bear. Its numbers in the wild are depleted by hunting and loss of habitat. Increased human populations, agriculture, road building and ineffective conservation practices have contributed to this species' decline in the wild.

 

Ecology

Habitat
mountainous regions of tropical cloud forests, high altitude savanna, scrublands and humid forests.

Niche
mostly herbivorous: eats roots, fruits, berries, leaves and sometimes insects, rodents and carrion. Nocturnal and crepuscular. Does not truly hibernate, but will den up in inclement weather.

Life History

Mating occurs in April; gestation 5-5.5 mo, implantation can be delayed by the female after mating so that births coincide with plentiful food supply. Litter size 1-3 cubs. Mother dens up with cubs for several months. Mature at 3 yrs; life span up to 20 yrs. in captivity.

Special Adaptations

  • Spectacle markings may aid in species or individual recognition.
  • Long, recurved claws for digging and tearing into the soil or into insect mounds for food.
  • Large nose and excellent sense of smell help to locate food.