Sleeping Habits of Spectacled Bears

The Andean bear is nicknamed "spectacled" because of the light-color circular markings that most members of this species have around the eyes. They are the only bears in South America, and the last of the short-faced bear species. The spectacled bear is a shy, solitary mammal that frequents the forests and mountain ranges of the Andes in South America. They are nocturnal, sleep in secluded spots, and do not hibernate. They are listed as a vulnerable species.

  1. Nocturnal

    • Although the spectacled bear might be somewhat active during the day, it is considered nocturnal and active mainly at night. These bears spend most of the day resting then search for food and travel during the night. The Andean bear has moderate sight, but it relies primarily on its sense of smell to navigate through the night to find vegetation and small animals.

    Secluded Sleeping Areas

    • The Andean bear is a solitary animal that prefers to sleep in caves, tree trunk cavities, tree nests or other isolated areas away from other spectacled bears, humans, or animals. They climb high into trees and bend back branches to build nests for resting and storing food. The adult Andean bear is usually spotted alone, except during mating season or as an adult female bear with her cubs. The cubs are independently mobile after their first month, but they remain with their mother for up to eight months.

    Hibernation

    • Some bear species hibernate during the winter to escape the cold, conserve food and energy. However, the spectacled bear lives in a relatively warm climate with a continuous supply of food throughout the year. It does not hibernate and is active throughout the year.

    Vulnerable Species

    • The spectacled bear is listed as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list. There are only a few thousand bears in the Andes or in captivity. Their existence is threatened by the disappearance of their natural habitat, poachers, and conflict with humans who consider them pests to crops and livestock.