Spectacled bear facts for kids
The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), also called the Andean bear, is a special type of bear. It is the only bear native to South America. These bears get their name from the light-colored fur around their eyes, which looks a bit like glasses! They are also known by local names like ukuku, jukumari, or ukumari.
The spectacled bear is the last living member of a group of bears called "short-faced bears." Other bears in this group are now extinct, meaning they no longer exist. They lived a very long time ago, during the middle and late Pleistocene age.
Quick facts for kids Spectacled bear |
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| A spectacled bear in Sorocaba zoo, Brazil. | |
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Tremarctos
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| Tremarctos ornatus |
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Contents
About the Spectacled Bear
Spectacled bears are a medium-sized type of bear. They have black fur with unique beige or light-colored markings. These markings are usually found across their face and upper chest. The patterns are different for each bear, like human fingerprints!
Size and Weight
Male spectacled bears are much larger than females. Males can weigh between 130 and 200 kilograms (286 to 440 pounds). Females are smaller, weighing from 35 to 60 kilograms (77 to 132 pounds). This means males can be about one-third bigger than females.
Where They Live
Spectacled bears live in several parts of northern and western South America. You can find them in countries like western Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and western Bolivia. They also live in northwestern Argentina and eastern Panama.
These bears are the only type of bear that lives in South America. They are also the only living member of their special bear family, called Tremarctinae.
How They Survive
Spectacled bears are amazing climbers. Their ability to climb even the tallest trees in the Andes mountains has helped them survive. They often climb trees to find food, rest, or escape from danger.
Images for kids
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At the Cincinnati Zoo
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Tremarctos ornatus in the Chaparri Reserve - Chiclayo - Lambayeque Region - Peru
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Spectacled bear at the Houston Zoo in Texas, US
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See also
In Spanish: Oso de anteojos para niños
