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Peru: Spectacled bear seen on road to Machu Picchu, causes a sensation among tourists

Spectacled bear seen near Machu Picchu.

Spectacled bear seen near Machu Picchu.

09:01 | Urubamba (Cusco region), Nov. 11.

The appearance of a beautiful spectacled bear sparked surprise and joy among tourists who visited the archaeological park of Machu Picchu —in Cusco’s Urubamba Province— on Tuesday morning.

The event took place at a curve along Hiram Bingham Highway, where the juvenile animal was seen on a tree —apparently an apple tree— by Consettur Company bus drivers, the Municipality of Machu Picchu reported.

Two details drew the attention of the visitors: the balance of the Andean bear on the tree and its confident movement along the branches and foliage. 

Astonished by the unusualness of the event, they filmed it for several minutes.

Such a sensation

The place, where the spectacled bear was seen, is not far from Ruinas Bridge —the only road access to Machu Picchu Town, also known as Aguas Calientes.

The presence of this specimen in the lower part of Urubamba Province, and near a populated center, has caused a sensation since other bears had been previously seen —even going on a family walk— but on Machu Picchu and Inti Punku mountains.

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu —located 2,430 meters above sea level, in the jungle brow zone— sees these animals return thanks to the dedicated work of the State-run National Service for Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp).

(END) PHS/CCH/RMB/MVB

Published: 11/10/2020