Spectacled bears are named for the varied, light face markings that encircle the eyes and extend down the chest.
The common name, “spectacled bears,” comes from the white, cream, beige, pale yellow, ginger, or tan markings on the face that create rings around the eyes. These lighter markings often extend down the chest, forming a bib-like patch of light fur.
The lighter markings are highly variable, unique to each individual, and may be absent altogether.
• Image | © Tambako The Jaguar, Some Rights Reserved, (CC BY-ND 2.0)
• Sources | (Fenner, 2012; Fernando del Moral; Kattan, et al., 2004; Macdonald, 2001; Naranjo & Hernández; Nowak, 1999; Servheen, Herrero, & Peyton, 1999; Wikimedia Foundation, 2018)
