Andean bear

Rosalita: Female, born January 9, 1989 at Calgary Zoo. She arrived at the Zoo November 1, 2001.

Spike: Male, born December 30, 1992 at the Cincinnati Zoo. He arrived at the Zoo June 22, 2010.

Where to find me in the Zoo

Bear Country

Fun Facts

• The largest bear that ever lived was a relative of the Andean bear called a giant short-faced bear. Fossils of this bear have been found in California's La Brea Tar Pits.
• These bears are also known as “spectacled” because the blonde hair around their eyes gives them the appearance of wearing glasses.
• Paddington, from the children’s book series, is probably the most “famous” spectacled bear.

Ask an Expert

The only bear species native to South America. Also known as the spectacled bear due to the fact that some individuals have blonde colored hairs around their eyes, giving them the appearance of wearing glasses.

Longevity

In zoos, Andean bears may have a life expectancy of 25 years.

Behavior

Little is known about the behavior of this shy forest bear. It is believed that they are mostly nocturnal and spend the day time sleeping in self-made tree nests, large tree root cavities or on ground beds. At sites of abundant food, as with fruiting trees, several bears can be seen feeding in close proximity with very little interaction between them. Only mothers with young have been seen traveling together so it is assumed Andean bears lead solitary lives.

Reproduction

Females usually give birth from November through January. Gestation is 6-8 months. Delayed implantation occurs in the species. Litters have 1-3 cubs. Females reach sexual maturity at about four years of age.

Size

4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 meters) in length and their height is 2-2.5 feet (.6-.76 meters) at the shoulder.

Weight

Females can weigh up to 140 lbs (63 kg) while the males can weigh up to 385 lbs (174 kg).

Diet

Andean bears are considered omnivorous (eat both meat and plant material); however, their diet in the wild is primarily vegetarian. The majority of the wild bear diet is comprised of bromeliads (such as cactus) but also includes fruits, berries, shrubs, honey, sugar cane and a very small amount of live prey such as insects and small mammals. At the Zoo the base diet of the bears is dog food, the bears receive a variety of fruits and vegetables that differ daily as well as activity foods which include raisins, honey and peanut butter.

Geographic Range

Western Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Western Bolivia, Panama, and Northern Argentina