When
the presence of an animal is studied in a geographic area or attempts are made
to study their ecology, the ideal scenario would be to obtain information
through direct observation of the individual or groups. However, due to their
low density, difficult access to certain types of habitats or to the cryptic
behavior of some species, observation is made difficult and the researcher has
to turn to interpretative studies, based on activity signs tracking to evaluate
their presence and to study aspects of the animals ecology and conduct.
The Spectacled bear is one of these species whose direct observation is difficult and the information about its natural history is based mostly in the interpretation of signs left behind by the animal. However, as any other large mammal, it leaves large amounts of tracks and traces of activity, which once known, allows for a relatively easy detection of their presence and to perform more complex investigations and studies.
The
different types of signs that indicate the bear presence and activities and
which we are about to describe in this section, expands across a wide range of
habitats and resources, but in no way pretends to show all the possible clues
left behind by the Spectacled bear in all the different ecosystems. Rather,
it’s more convenient to use the descriptions, features and photographs to
create a cross-reference image during the search, that would allow us to better
identify any type of sign left behind by the Spectacled bear in the work area.
