Spectacled bear spotted in Machu Picchu

Spectacled bear, Andean Bear or also known as Ukumari, is on the list of animals in danger of extinction in Peru  along with:

• Yellow-tailed woolly monkey
• Andes cat
• Pink dolphin of the Amazon
• Andean condor
• Giant Anteater
• Mountain Danta
• The giant frog of Lake Titicaca, among others.

Spectacled bear or Ukumari

These animals are in danger of extinction due to they have to face the following dangers in their natural habitat:

• Destruction or loss of habitat
• Climate change
• Hunting and illegally-traded animals
• Loss of Genetic Variation

Nowadays, we are facing a difficult situation due to the pandemic. On the other hand, the environment has been experiencing some positive changes, and many animals are walking freely. That is the case of the Spectacled bear, Andean Bear or also known as Ukumari that was spotted in Cusco.

Spectacled bear in Choquequirao

Features of the Spectacled bear:

• The name “spectacled”, given to the bear, is widely embraced due to the creamy-white colored line of fur encircling its eyes.
• This bear species is different from the other living species for one important reason. Its blood contains 52 chromosomes instead of 74, like the other bears. It is also interesting that all other types of bear have 14 pairs of ribs, however, the Spectacled Bear only has 13.
• Spectacled bears are nocturnal and crepuscular but don’t hibernate since they live in South America they have food all year long.
• They have big claws which help them to climb trees and cliffs. As with the giant panda, the spectacled bear has a very large head compared to its body.
• Andean Males bears grow over 5 feet (1.5m) in length and weigh up to 340 pounds (150 kg). Females rarely weigh more than 180 pounds (80 kg). They usually give birth to one or two small, helpless cubs, which remain with the mother for up to eight months..

Where does the Spectacled bear live?

Spectacled bear makes its home in the dense Andean jungles of South America. It has the distinction of being the continent’s only bear.

These bears are estimated to live for just over 20 years. However, if they are well treated and given better conditions in their natural habitat they can live up to 50 years.

Intensely shy bears, they prefer the lush, isolated cloud forests on the slopes of the Andes, climbing as high as 14,000 feet. They have extremely strong jaws and wide, flat molars to chew tough vegetation such as tree bark and orchid bulbs. Occasionally they will supplement their diet with meat, taking small rodents, birds, insects, and even small cows, making them the largest carnivores in South America. There might be about 18000 bears in all South America and about 5750 in Peru.

Two little cubs.

Spectacled bear or Ukumari in Cusco

So far we have learned how tender this bear can be. Cusco is a privileged city since its home to many spectacled bears. These bears were seen in Machu Picchu many times. Although generally nocturnal, South America’s only bear usually visits the Inca citadel in the mornings. The spectacled bear’s route, now a favorite among visitors, begins by the Watchman’s House, going across the terraces and towards the Inca Bridge. It is worth noting this is a harmless species that feeds mostly on vegetables, occasionally indulging in deer or llamas.



The elusive bear is gradually becoming a common sight in Machu Picchu thanks to State-run National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp), which works on the protection of this endangered species. 

“Since it is a protected area, people like farmers and locals are used to seeing it. They used to be poached many years ago, but not anymore. Efforts are being made to increase its population,” was pointed out.

VIDEO: Spectacled bear spotted in Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Inkayni Peru Tours work aims to practice sustainable tourism, to promote the responsible use of natural and cultural resources, and to focus on operations that improve the quality of life for local populations, strengthening their social, environmental, cultural and economic development.

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