Spectacled Bear

An endangered and elusive Spectacled Bear peers at me inquisitively from a steep mountainside at about 4000m (13,125 feet) in the Ecuadorian Andes. Though omnivorous, up in the high altitude páramo grasslands, the diet of these bears consists largely of terrestrial bromeliads. These plants (pictured underneath its paws) are tremendously tough and covered in sharp spines, so naturally they show a preference for the more succulent hearts. After considerable effort in unforgiving terrain, I feel so fortunate to have had this close encounter!
Many moments I won't soon forget.

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