Andean Bear: The Bear with Many Names

Amazing Wildlife takes a look at a tree-loving bear known for the light-colored fur around its eyes that looks like a pair of eyeglasses... the Andean bear! The Andean bear is special because it is the closest living relative of the extinct species of North American short-faced bear. Hosts Ebone Monet and Rick Schwartz explore the background of how this South American native has received its many names and how the prehistoric mammal has survived long after most of its closet relatives died out during the Ice Age. Dr. Russ Van Horn, a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Scientist in Population Sustainability, joins the conversation to disclose how this remarkable bear has managed to survive and his role in leading the Alliance's Andean bear conservation program. If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to [email protected] for your chance to hear it on the show!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.