Rare Andean Bear reappears in Bolivia; camera captures it wading into Parapeti river

Rare Andean bear was captured on camera near the headwaters of Parapeti River (Fundacion Natura Bolivia photo) The rare Andean bear, locally known as the jukumari, has been spotted again near the headwaters of Bolivia's Parapeti River. The sighting has given conservationists fresh hope because the species is rarely seen in the wild. Its presence suggests that an important part of the Chaco landscape is still providing suitable habitat.The bear was recorded by a camera trap installed near the river. The footage shows the animal walking into the water, staying there for several minutes before quietly returning to the surrounding forest.According to Fundacion Natura Bolivia, the recording is encouraging because it captures a vulnerable species moving through an area that remains relatively undisturbed, Ecoticias reported. The video itself lasts only a short time.A rare visitor The camera-trap footage shows the jukumari calmly making its way down to the river. It enters the water, appears to cool off for a few minutes and then walks back into the nearby forest. Fundacion Natura Bolivia said the bear moved through an area where forest cover and clean water remain closely connected.For c...