Spectacled Bear
Tremarctos ornatus
LifeSpectacled Bears are known to be anti-social, except for when they're with young, but some have been seen feeding in small numbers. Mating occurs at different times throughout the year, usually between April and June. The couple stay together for a couple of days. Females will give birth to 1-3 cubs. This is usually sometime between December and February after a pregnancy period of up to 8 and a half months. After 42 days, the cubs' eyes will open and when they are 3 months old, the cubs will spend their days trailing after their mother and learning from her. After 2 years old, the cubs will have learnt all that they can from their mother, they become independent and go out to fend for themselves. Spectacled Bears are ready to mate when they are 4-7 years old. In captivity, Spectacled Bears have been known to live till they are 39 years old. The average life expectancy of a Spectacled Bear is 20-25 years.
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Threats and DangersSpectacled Bear cubs are in constant danger of being eaten or attacked by pumas, larger bears and jaguars. Deforestation also kills Specatcled Bears.
DefencesIn the Amazon Rainforest, Deforestation and animals that might be able to defeat the Spectacled Bears are always a risk. But Spectacled Bears are able to sense danger with their great sense of smell, and if anything threatens them, Spectacled Bears have strong jaws and sharp claws to defend them if they are forced to attack. If they are no match for the danger, their excellent climbing skills come in handy as Spectacled Bears can easily just scamper up the tree.
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