They primarily live in forest ecosystems, including rainforest, cloud forest, and dry forest, but they can also be found in more open ecosystems such as steppes or coastal scrub desert. Spectacled bears are excellent tree-climbers, and they often use trees as feeding platforms and build nests in them for sleeping. They feed on a variety of fruits, berries, and plant matter, in addition to small mammals, such as rabbits, birds, and mice.
Spectacled bears get their name from the distinctive cream-colored bands that encircle their eyes.
Their fur is brown or black. Like most other bear species, spectacled bears are threatened by both habitat loss and illegal poaching for parts. Logging and human encroachment within the spectacled bear's range are the major causes of habitat loss. Spectacled bears are predominantly solitary and require numerous acres of untouched land to thrive. Although hunting is illegal, poaching continues to decrease spectacled bear populations.