‹ ›

type Status Habitat

MAMMALS

THREATHEND

SOUTH-AMERICA



Andean bears live in a variety of mountain habitats. Many live between 6,000 and 8,800 feet (1,829 to 2,682 meters) above sea level, although others inhabit lower elevations. Habitat varies from rainforest, cloud forest and mossy, stunted elfin forest to thorny dry forest.

Only around 5 percent of the Andean bear's diet is meat, usually rodents and insects. They mostly eat fruit, palm fronds, and insects

























            

Bear in the air

Most types of bears are good at climbing trees, but Andean bears eat and sleep in them. Their long, sharp claws help them get a grip on the tree bark. Up in the forest canopy, these bears search for food like fruit, leaves, and insects. When they are tired, they gather leafy branches to make a platform bed.

Isn't the weather nice?

Because of the tropical climate of the their range-from Venezuela to Bolivia-Andean bears do not hibernate and are active year-round. Their biggest threats come from humans, directly or indirectly.

FEATURES


FACIAL "FINGERPRINTS"?

  • Because of their "spectacle" markings, each Andean bear has a unique appearance. Researchers can identify each bear by its "mug shot." The markings also give the bear its scientific name: Tremarctos ornatus, or decorated bear.

    • NO RIBBING!

  • Andean bears have only 13 pairs of ribs, one less than other bears.