The Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is usually identified by light-colored markings on its face and chest that sometimes cause the bear to look like it has glasses on, although not in this individual (which, to be honest, bears something of a resemblance to Jeremy Irons). Naturally occurring along the Andes mountain range in South America, these bears live near rain forests and make use of the rich variety of resources there (from roots to carrion). Unfortunately, these bears are not only victims of Traditional Chinese Medicine, their gall bladders being especially prized, but they are also often shot by farmers for fear that the bears will eat the livestock (although it does not seem that the bears do this often, if at all).
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tags: John James Audubon, Bird Art, ornithology, birds, avian, New York Historical Society, endangered species
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This is by far my favorite bear species, I love that each has such individual markings. Great photo, as always!