Facts About the Andean Bear
INTRODUCTION
The Andean bear, also known as the spectacled bear, is South America’s only bear. They are called this for the rings around their eyes that look like large eyeglasses. Andean bears are important to Andean and Amazonian belief systems. They are thought to be mediators between the living and the dead and the Machiguenga peoples believe it is the Maeni, the creator of life.