About Andean Bears

Andean Bears are small bears that are found only in South America.  They only weigh up to 340 pounds and can be as light as 140 pounds.   The Andean Bear, also called the Spectacled bear because of its white trim around its eyes eat a variety of food from mice to rabbits to fruit and grasses.  Andean bears are more friendly than the average bear and really adorable. 
http://www.squidoo.com/spectacled-bears

Positive Effects for Andean Bears at the Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo has a great exhibit for the Andean Bear that allows them to play and live like they would if they lived in the wild, without the dangerous behavior.  They can hunt because there is a pond provided with fish.  They have climbing structures so they can be entertained during the day.  The bears also have privacy and closedoff areas so they can be away from people.  There has been a few Andean Bears who have been sent away to other zoos to breed with other Andean Bears to help keep the species of bear further away from becomming extinct.

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/animal_news.aspx?ARTICLE_ID=100672

National Zoo's Andean Bear Gives Birth to Twins

For the first time in twenty-two years, at the Smithsonian's National Zoo two Andean Bear cubs were born. The mama cub Billie Jean, four years of age gave birth to cubs in January.  Zoo officials waited to announce the birth of the cubs until it was clear that the cubs wouls survive.  The last time that Andean Bear cubs were born, and survived in a North American zoo was in 2005. These bears are described as vulnerable and are native to the Andes mountains, hence the name Andean Bear.  Billie Jean was was the last surviving Andean Bear in North America until the birth of the twin cubs occured.  The gender of the cubs have not been determined yet, but vetranarians are working on it.  Usually cubs are bald, blind and toothless, but these cubs opened thier eyes very quickly.  Overall these Andean Bear cubs are healthy and rare.  Now there is a happy Andean Bear family in the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
http://wn.com/Andean_Bear