Would you choose the Bear? 5 reasons to meet the Spectacled Bear

We have heard about some discussion about choosing the bear, and what better moment than now to help people with their choice?

We don't want to demonize any party involved, but if you have the chance to choose, we firmly think that you should choose to meet the spectacled bear.

But before we dive into this conversation:

What are bears like?

What are the first things that come to mind after the word bear? The mental picture you draw probably drags some elements from films and television and goes from something scarier, like in The Revenant, to something more on the cute side, like in The Jungle Book. These portrayals highlight the diverse perceptions concerning the ursids, from fierce predators to gentle giants. But what about the Spectacled Bear? Let’s explore why this particular species is worth your attention.

1.   Their unique looks

One of the most curious things about these cute giant species is probably their name. While they are also known as Andean bears, they are more commonly called “Spectacled” because of their characteristic patterns, which, in some cases, are shaped like glasses.

These marks are not always shaped like glasses, but since the feature is quite common, the name stuck around and became their common name. Among other names given to these animals, we have South American bear, Mountain Bear, or Urkukari in one of the local indigenous languages (kichwa).

2.   Expect beautiful landscapes

If you come and visit these big friends, you will definitely enjoy the landscapes in which these fluffy friends reside. They can be spotted through the Andean Mountain chain, and since it is the only bear species in South America, they play an important role in the preservation of Andean landscapes.

Since they are an “umbrella species”, habitats like the Andean highlands and the Andean Choco, have flourished with wildlife. So, not only are they gorgeous animals, but they also help keep their habitats beautiful and diverse.

3.   Docile Giants

Well, they’re actually a small species of bear, but they are still relatively big compared to an average person. In spite of their size, they are quite docile, and their diet consists primarily of plants and small animals.

The Andean bear is commonly known to be docile at sight and to hide quickly when people approach them. So, trying to spot them can be quite a gratifying experience, not only because of the difficulty but also because finding them becomes a silent spectacle worth watching.

4.   Cultural importance

Because of all that has been said before, the spectacled bear is quite appreciated by the locals (it is even a mascot for some places). In local folklore, they are also considered a mediator between the world of the living and the world of the dead.

This belief has sadly led to the urkukari being hunted for ritual practices. And talking about that…

5.   You help save them

Even though this species is not endangered yet, it is vulnerable due to many factors. The two most important menaces are poachers and deforestation of its natural Habitat. There is also the fact that farmers consider them a danger to their animals in spite of their mainly vegetarian diet.

As we said before, these bears are usually found in the surroundings of the Andean Mountain chain and can be seen around the Andean Choco. Since they are also a tourist attraction for visitors who enjoy the local wildlife, some projects for their preservation have started to gain ground. This means that when you support sustainable tourism, you also support conservation initiatives that help the bears.

What’s the best way to visit them?

You can spot the Spectacled bear in many ways, but if you want to make this the main focus of your adventure, you can check out our Unique Expeditions, in which the main focus is wildlife appreciation. We offer many programs in which you can visit these big fluffy friends, so don’t miss your chance.