MINEC initiated investigations into the case of mistreatment of a honey bear in Anzoátegui

Published at: 27/08/2026 08:26 PM

The Ministry of Popular Power for Ecosocialism (MINEC), through the Ecosocialist Territorial Unit (UTEC) Anzoátegui, began this Thursday, August 27, an investigation to find those responsible for the mistreatment of a honey bear (Tamandua tetradactyla), a fact that became known after the dissemination of a video that went viral on social networks.

The procedure was activated in conjunction with the Coordination for Monitoring and Control of Environmental Impacts, the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), the Scientific, Criminal and Criminal Investigations Corps (CICPC) and the Simón Bolívar Municipal Police.

The case was also referred to the Office of Attorney 21 with competence in Environmental Defense of the state of Anzoátegui, according to a press release from the institution.

According to the recorded audiovisual material, the attack against the wildlife specimen occurred in the immediate vicinity of Barcelona's coastal avenue and was perpetrated by a group of motorcyclists.

Currently, the authorities are carrying out investigations and inquiries in adjacent communities, on the suspicion that those involved reside near the scene of the events.

UTEC Anzoátegui called on citizens to collaborate in the identification of subjects through anonymous complaints sent to the direct message of the Instagram account @ecosocialismoanzoategui_ve, ensuring that the integrity of the informants is protected.

A smaller anteater is a medium-sized mammal related to anteaters that lives in South America. This species is important because it naturally regulates ant and termite populations, preventing them from becoming uncontrolled pests.

By feeding on xylophagous (wood-eating) insects, it helps prevent massive damage to bark and tree health. Unfortunately, they are sometimes illegally caught to be sold as exotic pets.