The Andean bear, also known as the spectacled bear, is a species of
bear native to South America, which lives in mountainous regions of
countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia. It is the only bear native to South America and is characterized by its dark fur and distinctive white “V”-shaped chest patch.
Andean bears are omnivorous animals, they feed on a variety of foods
such as fruits, insects, small mammals and plants. They are important to the ecosystem, as they help disperse seeds and maintain the balance of other animal populations.
Unfortunately, the Andean bear is in danger of extinction due to the loss
of its natural habitat, illegal hunting and the illegal trade in its body parts. Several organizations and governments are working on the conservation of this species to ensure its survival in the wild.