54 THE STORY OF THE BEAR, 



on to the under part of the body. The length of the head and body is about 

 four feet and never exceeds 4I feet. The female is only 3! feet, and weighs 

 about 60 pounds. This species is found not only in the Malay Peninsula, 

 but in the islands of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo, and also extends through 

 Burma into the Garo Hills in Northeastern India. Of its habits little is 

 known except in captivity. It is a purely forest animal, and an admirable 

 climber. It lives on fruits and berries, but Hke other bears occasionally kills 

 and eats mammals and birds. It is said to be very fond of honey, and it 

 probably devours insects and larvae. When caught young, it is generally 

 easily tamed, and is usually gentle and amusing when in captivity. 



A BEAR THAT WEARS SPECTACLES. 



The only bears found in South America inhabit the Andes Mountains 

 in Peru. They all belong to one family or species. They are small in size, 

 black in color, and derive the name of "Spectacled Bear" from the tawny 

 jings or semicircles round the eyes, whereby a most grotesque appearance 

 is communicated to the whole physiognomy. The jaws, cheeks, throat, and 

 chest are white; and the whole length of the animal is only about 3^ feet. 

 Little or no information exists as to its habits in its native state. 



It is certain, however, that the spectacled bear is less savage than most of 

 his congeners. He runs at the approach of the hunter, and for this reason 

 there have been few opportunities to study him. 



The spectacled bear feeds on berries, shrubs and honey. So far as known 

 he gets little flesh food, for the animals of the Andes upon which he would 

 naturally prey are keen of scent, timid and swift of foot. 



It is certain, however, that the spectacled bear is an amusing animal, for 

 aside from his comical appearance he has been seen to exhibit playfulness and 

 perform many antics. 



The small size of this bear would preclude the possibility of his being a 

 formidable foe, and the fact that none has ever been captured shows that they 

 would rather run than fight. 



