photo from www.alaska-in-pictures.com
...no, it's not another polar bear. This, dear reader, is what's known as a kermode bear or spirit bear.
This rare white bear is actually a subspecies of the black bear. It is not an albino. Perhaps it is the result of a recessive gene.
photo from www.ursafreedomproject.ning.com
Kermode bears are found only on the west coast of Canada and up into Alaska. Scientists estimate there are 1,200 black and white kermode bears in the coast area that stretches from around the northern tip of Vancouver Island northwards to the Alaska panhandle. On Gribbell Island, up to 30 percent of the bears can be white, while on the larger Princess Royal Island, about 10 percent have the white coat.
Kermode bears are so beautiful. I hope you've enjoyed learning a little bit about this elusive white bear.
Source: http://www.bcspiritbear.com/
Hi Debora,
ReplyDeleteOh boy - that first picture, I had to scroll down pretty quickly. Prudence wrote about me this morning - and my fear - FISH.
Thank you for this wonderful information. That little cub is so precious. Wildlife is just another mircle from God.
Blessings,
Joyce (please - no more pictures of fish). Are you laughing - it's okay, I'm use to it.
I have read through the book on Spirit Bears It's quite amazing! They certainly are beautiful and unusual creatures and worthy of the protection sought for them! deb
ReplyDeleteYour fur facts are quite fun!!!
ReplyDeleteI still owe you a list of sources . . . . !!!
I will get to that!
:-)
Lori Ann
oh wow, he is just gorgeous. I have never heard so much about them, fascinating! xx
ReplyDeleteFun information & Borealis is just precious ♥
ReplyDeleteXXXXX's Denise : )
So glad you all enjoyed learning about the kermode bear. Aren't they striking?
ReplyDelete