Threats

Estimates of spectacled bear population range from 10,000 to 18,000 individuals, though their population is decreasing. They are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and are on CITES: Appendix I, which means trade in them and their parts is prohibited worldwide. Their main threat is loss of habitat (including difficulties with bears being separated from one another, resulting in inbreeding), but they are also hunted for sport, meat, fur, and by farmers. Farmers also spray special pesticides on to their corn fields to protect their crops from the bears. Although it is illegal to hunt spectacled bears, enforcement is difficult, hence rare.