SPECTACLED BEAR
			Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Species: Chordata Mammalia Carnivora Ursidae Tremarctos ornatus

The spectacled, or Andean bear is the only South American bear. It is one of the smallest bears, ranging from 5 to 6 feet in length (1.5 to 1.8 m) and weighing up to 300 lbs. (136 kg). Its shaggy coat is black or dark brown with white chest markings. Many have white circles or partial circles around the eyes, from which the bear gets its name.

Spectacled bears live in tropical forests in the foothills of the Andes up to an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,000 m), and as far south as Bolivia. Little is known of their habits. They are expert tree climbers, and feed largely on leaves, fruits, and roots. However, it is possible that they occasionally prey on deer, guanaco, and vicuna. They are said to make large nests of twigs in trees and this is quite possible, as other small bears do the same.

In order for most snakes to grow and be healthy, they must shed their skin. These shedding cycles vary among different species, and range anywhere from every 4 to 10 weeks.