Spectacled bear cubs are born blind and are completely dependent on their mother for their first month but will remain with her for up to a year.
Spectacled bear cubs are typically born several months before the fruit season begins between September and February. This allows the cubs sufficient time to be weaned before the fruit ripens for them to eat.
The cubs are born blind and their eyes do not open until 30 days, during which time they are completely dependent on their mother. At birth, they weigh about 300 grams each and are black in color, already showing the “spectacle” markings on the face.
At least five distinct vocal communication sounds used between mothers and cubs have been described.
Spectacled bear cubs grow fairly quickly and already weigh 10 kilograms at 180 days. They stay with their mother for up to a year after birth. Both male and female bears reach sexual maturity between the ages of 4 and 7 years.
• Image | © Tambako The Jaguar, Some Rights Reserved, (CC BY-ND 2.0)
• Sources | (Fenner, 2012; Fernando del Moral; Hunter, 2011; IBA, 1999; Macdonald, 2001; Naranjo & Hernández; Nowak, 1999; Servheen, Herrero, & Peyton, 1999)
