The Andean bear is a notable part of Peru’s great biological diversity, which places it among the top five most diverse countries in the world. Home to a range of species of flora and fauna in different areas of its territory, its variety of ecosystems include valleys, pampas, deserts, hills and ravines, snow-capped peaks, and much more
Cusco
In Cusco, every corner is full of history. Because the ancient capital of Peru (during the Inca Empire), still maintains vestiges of what was the most important power of this ancient civilization.
The millenary history is breathed in every step you take through the streets of its towns, which seem to have stopped in time. Its cities are filled with so much mysticism that you will never want to leave. And if you have to leave, there will always be that desire that consumes you inside to return as soon as possible.
Cusco has many riches, but one of the greatest riches that Cusco has is that it is home to the seventh wonder of the modern world, Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu
As Unesco mentions: Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.
What about the bears in Machu Picchu
It is estimated that in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu there are approximately seventy species. The spectacled bears are protected by the Peruvian State by promoting the creation of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This protected area has a total of 32,592 hectares of mountains and Cusco jungle
Machu Picchu is home to a large part of the population of Andean bears (spectacled bears) that inhabit South America. And seeing spectacled bears walking through the Inca city of Machu Picchu will enrich the already incredible experience
These bears are estimated to live for just over 20 years. However, if they are well treated and given better conditions in their natural habitat, they can live up to 50 years.
Intensely shy bears, they prefer the lush, isolated cloud forests on the slopes of the Andes, climbing as high as 14,000 feet. They have extremely strong jaws and wide, flat molars to chew tough vegetation such as tree bark and orchid bulbs. Occasionally they will supplement their diet with meat, taking small rodents, birds, insects, and even small cows, making them the largest carnivores in South America. There might be about 18000 bears in all of South America and about 5750 in Peru.
Spectacled bear or Ukumari in Cusco
So far, we have learned how tender this bear can be. Cusco is a privileged city since its home to many spectacled bears. These bears were seen in Machu Picchu many times. Although generally nocturnal, South America’s only bear usually visits the Inca citadel in the mornings. The spectacled bear’s route, now a favorite among visitors, begins by the Watchman’s House, going across the terraces and towards the Inca Bridge. It is worth noting this is a harmless species that feeds mostly on vegetables, occasionally indulging in deer or llamas.
The elusive bear is gradually becoming a common sight in Machu Picchu thanks to the State-run National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp), which works on the protection of this endangered species.
“Since it is a protected area, people like farmers and locals are used to seeing it. They used to be poached many years ago, but not anymore. Efforts are being made to increase its population,”
Are Andean bears aggressive?
Of the eight bear species inhabiting the world, two (i.e. Andean bear and giant panda) have never been reported to attack humans, whereas the other six species did: sun bears Helarctos malayanus, sloth bears Melursus ursinus, Asiatic black bears Ursus thibetanus, American black bears Ursus americanus, brown bears Ursus.