This musculature feature, along with the blunt lophs of the cheek teeth are adaptations for their primarily herbivorous diet. Relative to their body size, spectacled bears have the largest zygomaticomandibularis muscle of any bear species. This feature of the limbs gives most bears amazing climbing abilities. Like all bears, spectacled bears are equipped with a plantigrade stance and the front limbs are longer than their hind limbs. They have a stocky build, small round ears, a thick short neck, and a stout muzzle. Spectacled bears have a short tail, about 70mm long, that is often completely hidden by the fur. The lighter markings are highly variable, unique to each individual, and may be absent altogether. The common name "spectacled bears" comes from the white or tan markings on the face that create rings around the eyes these lighter markings often extend down the chest, forming a bib-like patch of light fur. Spectacled bears are medium sized bears that are typically uniformly black in color, but reddish-brown individuals have been observed. They are found from 475 to 3658 meters elevation, mostly between 19 meters. It is believed that these bears travel between habitat types depending on the season, but the timing of these migrations and what drives them is unknown. They are also found in paramo, scrub forest and grasslands. They are most commonly found in dense cloud forests where there is an abundance of food and shelter. Spectacled bears inhabit a wide variety of habitats throughout their range. It can be found throughout mountainous regions of the Andes in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, and might also occur in northwestern Argentina and into Panama (Hunter, 2011). Tremarctos ornatus is the only species of bear native to South America.
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