Spectacled bear  (Tremarctos ornatus)

Biology

Very little is known about the spectacled bear even though it is one of the largest mammals in South America. It is believed to be diurnal (6) (7) (9), and has been observed to make nests in the trees whilst foraging or resting (3). Like other bears, it is an omnivore, although vegetation appears to make up the majority of the diet, particularly fruit of plants from the Bromeliad family. Other items taken include cacti, bamboo hearts, palm petioles, corn, rodents, birds, insects, and sometimes livestock and carrion. The spectacled bear will also strip bark from trees to feed on the nutritious layer beneath (2) (3) (6) (9).

The spectacled bear is generally solitary, although it has occasionally been seen feeding in small groups. Mating may occur at various times of year, and the female usually gives birth to 1 to 3 cubs between December and February, after a gestation period of 5.5 to 8.5 months (2) (3) (6). The cubs may stay with the female for up to a year (6). Predators of spectacled bear cubs include pumas (Puma concolor), jaguars (Panthera onca), and adult male bears (6) (9) (10). The spectacled bear may live for up to 39 years in captivity (2).

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