The South American spectacled bear has excellent eyesight and gets its name from the markings around their eyes. These markings are unique to each individual and can be used for identification.

Spectacled bears are the only bear species found in South America. They inhabit the mountainous regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.

Mating takes place between May and August, and females give birth to 1-3 cubs from January to March.

Spectacled bears are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and are on CITES: Appendix I. Their main threat is loss of habitat, but they are also hunted for sport and by farmers. Farmers also spray special pesticides on to their corn fields to protect their crops from the bears.