![]() ![]() As little as 5% of the original habitat in the Andean cloud forest remains. Perhaps the most epidemic problem for the species is extensive logging and farming, which has led to habitat loss for the largely tree-dependent bears. Andean bears are often suspected of attacking cattle and raiding crops and are killed for retaliation or in order to avoid further damages. Conflicts with humans, however, appear to be the most common cause of poaching in large portions of their distribution. Poaching might have several reasons: trophy hunting, pet trade, religious or magical beliefs, natural products trade, and conflicts with humans. Spectacled bears are threatened due to poaching and habitat loss. Like other bears, mothers are protective of their young and have attacked poachers. ![]() When encountered by humans or other Spectacled bears, they will react in a docile but cautious manner, unless the intruder is seen as a threat or a mother's cubs are endangered. Females have an average home range of 10 km2 (3.9 sq mi) in the wet season and 7 km2 (2.7 sq mi) in the dry season. Males are reported to have an average home range of 23 km2 (8.9 sq mi) during the wet season and 27 km2 (10 sq mi) during the dry season. They may even feed in small groups at abundant food sources. Although Spectacled bears are solitary and tend to isolate themselves from one another to avoid competition, they are not territorial. Once up a tree, they may often build a platform, perhaps to aid in concealment, as well as to rest and store food on. They usually retreat from the presence of humans, often by climbing trees. Spectacled bears have the ability to climb even the tallest trees of the Andes due to their continued survival alongside humans. In Andean cloud forests, they may be active both during the day and night, but in the Peruvian desert are reported to bed down under vegetative cover during the day. The Spectacled bear is an arboreal species.
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