ANDEAN BEAR

General Description:

Also known as the spectacled bear for the rings of white or light fur around its eyes, which can look like eyeglasses (or spectacles) against the rest of the bear's black or dark brown fur.

Distribution:

Andean bears are South America's only bears and live in a variety of mountain habitats.

Habitat:

Forested areas in the mountains

Diet:

Fruits and bromeliads are favored foods, but spectacled bears also eat berries, grasses, bulbs, cactus flowers and small animals such as rodents, rabbits and birds.

Population: Fewer than 5,000

Length: 5 to 6 feet

Height: 2 to 3 feet

Weight: Males: up to 340 pounds, Females: up to 180 pounds