Andean Bear
Status
Vulnerable
Classification
Mammal
Exhibit
Bear Country
The Only Bear Species Native to South America
These bears are also known as “spectacled” bears because the blonde hair around their eyes makes it look like they could be wearing glasses.
Relative of the Biggest Bear--Ever!
The Andean bear's relative is called a giant short-faced bear. Scientists have found fossils of this bear in California's La Brea Tar Pits. Giant short-faced bears weighed up to 3,500 pounds and were at least 11 feet tall when standing.
These bears are intensely shy. You will only see them together in the wild if there is an abundant food source, like fruit trees, but they won't really interact. They are mostly nocturnal. Therefore, they spend the day sleeping in self-made tree nests to be close to their food.
Paddington, from the children’s book series, is probably the most “famous” spectacled bear.