Spirit Bear
The Spirit Bear, also known as the Kermode bear, is a rare subspecies of the American black bear found primarily in the coastal rainforests of British Columbia, Canada. Approximately one in ten bears in this region is born with a white or cream-colored coat due to a recessive gene. This unique coloration is not an albino condition, as they still have dark eyes and skin.
Spirit Bears play a crucial role in their ecosystem, helping to disperse seeds and maintain the health of their habitat. They primarily feed on salmon, berries, and vegetation, and their presence is vital for the balance of the forest ecosystem. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these bears and their habitat from threats like logging and climate change.