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Animal Guide

Spectacled Bear

17 destinations · 13 states

Native Range
Andes of South America

Spectacled bears are the only bears native to South America, and their tree-climbing habits make them especially fun to watch in a well-designed exhibit. Look for the pale markings around the eyes and muzzle, which vary from bear to bear and can look like spectacles, a feature that gives the species its name. These bears are excellent climbers and may use branches, platforms, and other elevated spaces to rest or search for food. A bear stretched out high above the ground can seem surprisingly relaxed for an animal that is perfectly comfortable moving through trees. Spectacled bears eat a varied diet that includes fruit, plants, insects, and other foods, so watch for moments when one investigates different parts of its habitat rather than staying in one place. Their long, curved claws help them climb and reach food, while a strong sense of smell helps them locate it. In the wild, they live among the varied landscapes of the Andes, from cloud forests to high-elevation grasslands. A quiet moment in the exhibit can quickly change when a bear decides to climb, forage, or investigate something new.

Spectacled Bear

Where to see Spectacled Bear

17 destinations across 13 states

17 destinations

Alexandria Zoological Park

Alexandria, LA

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo

Baton Rouge, LA

Cape May County Park & Zoo

Cape May Court House, NJ

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland, OH

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Bridgeport, CT

Gladys Porter Zoo

Brownsville, TX

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Nashville, TN

Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia, PA

Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix, AZ

Potawatomi Zoo

South Bend, IN

Queens Zoo

Corona, NY

Reid Park Zoo

Tucson, AZ

Rolling Hills Zoo

Salina, KS

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Syracuse, NY

San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio, TX

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Washington, DC

Zoo Miami

Miami, FL

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