What is the only bear species that lives in South American rainforests?

The only bear species that lives in South American rainforests is the spectacled bear.

Also called the Andean bear, it is native to the Andes of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. Its preferred habitat is humid montane forest, including cloud forests, although it can also roam páramo grasslands, dry forests and high elevations.

The spectacled bear is named for the cream or pale markings that often surround its eyes, creating a glasses-like pattern. These markings vary between individuals, so some bears appear much more “spectacled” than others. Its scientific name is Tremarctos ornatus.

A common mix-up is confusing it with the sloth bear, which is native to the Indian subcontinent, or the moon bear, which lives in Asia. The spectacled bear is South America’s only living native bear species. It is mostly herbivorous, eating bromeliads, fruits, palm nuts and other plant material, and is classified as Vulnerable because habitat loss and human conflict threaten its populations.