Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu
1.- INTRODUCTION TO THE SPECTACLED BEAR IN MACHU PICCHU
Habitat and Distribution
The Tremarctos Ornatos or also known as the Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu is part of the 8 types of bears in the world, within the Andean belief it is known as the Ukuko and has a direct relationship with the inhabitants of the Andes. Its geographic habitat is the Andean tropical climate between 500 and 4500 meters above sea level. Although its preferred habitat is the humid forests where rain is frequent and there is more possibility of finding fruit trees on which it can feed, thanks to the Spectacled bear Project it is possible to keep its habitat as protected as possible, turning this species into a symbol that today is worldwide- recognized.
| “Traveling, eating and falling in love are three invitations to the same thing. Three ways to find happiness.” |
1.1.- Physical Characteristics and Appearance
The Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu can measure between 1.30 to 1.90 meters (when standing on 2 legs), the particularity of this species is that its head is larger which gives a disproportionate appearance, at the end of the body of the Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu you can see a small tail that measures no more than 8 centimeters. What differentiates the males from the females is the size and weight, they are larger and can weigh between 80 to 125 kilos.
Another characteristic of the Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu is that it has 5 toes on each leg, in addition to long sharp claws giving it the ability to climb trees with ease, its fur is black and thick although it has the characteristic of having light spots (white semi yellow) as circles around the eyes, for this reason it is called Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu.
phisical characteristics and appereance
1.2.- Diet and Feeding Habits
Within the Spectacled bear Project we prioritized its preservation in all aspects and within this we can consider its diet. The Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu is by nature a vegetarian bear, basing its diet mainly on fruits, roots, leaves and mushrooms. Occasionally it may also include insects, eggs, rodents and honey. Their habitat is usually solitary and most of the time they walk through forest areas climbing trees to get food.
The Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu marks its territory by scratching the trunks and spreading its scent, even more when the female may be pregnant, during delivery there may be 2 cubs, the mother protects and feeds them during the first months of life, then each one becomes more independent, for this reason it is not uncommon occasionally to see groups with cubs.
diet and feeding habits
2.- A TRIP TO THE RHYTHM OF 4 LEGS
“By nature, the Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu is considered to be a seed disperser and seed politician, since as it moves it can carry seeds with it, and when it reaches another place, they develop in a different and, in some cases, better way.”
3.- SPECTACLED BEAR SIGHTINGS IN MACHU PICCHU
Although we do not know when was the first time the Spectacled Bear in Machu Picchu was seen, we know that since the 80’s there have been sightings of Spectacled Bear in Machu Picchu, in some cases accompanied by their cubs, which is a pleasant surprise for visitors. However as they have a solitary and shy behavior regularly during the day can not be seen frequently, however some park rangers say that there is more flow of them in the early morning and after 17:00 pm, times when there are no travelers nearby, this is also part of the Spectacled bear Project that seeks not to impact the natural habitat they have with travelers and if possible to reduce encounters with this species.
The Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu can also be present in all its surroundings and mainly in the Inca Trail, where they can be seen walking through the forests and nature. It is important that if you come across one take your precautionary distance, the Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu is only looking for food, if they feel intimidated they may react in defense, in these cases you should follow the directions of the guide at all times.
Thanks to the Spectacled bear Project hunting is forbidden, and of course it is always recommended that during the tour do not leave food scattered as this could greatly alter their normal diet and cause changes in their behavior.
Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu sightings
4.- ITS POPULARITY IN RECENT YEARS
As a result of the Spectacled bear Project, he could be given an important role in the preservation of the environment which led him to be the icon of this movement and as a result was considered as part of the Peruvian heritage so it came to manufacture a coin of 1 Peruvian Sol (Local Currency) with a relief of his figure. This coin falls into the category of limited edition coins that are issued by the Central Reserve Bank of Peru.
peruvian sol coin
Being able to see the Spectacled bear in Machu Picchu is a great complement to your trip, although we cannot promise you that you will be able to see them, we can promise you that you will remember this trip for the rest of your life. Auri Peru is dedicated to designing personalized and tailor-made experiences, now may be the opportunity for us to design your next adventure, contact us now and find out what we have ready for you.
“The adventure is worth it, always.”
