What Is a Spirit Bear
A spirit bear is a white or cream-colored American black bear caused by a rare recessive gene. It is not an albino and is also called a Kermode bear.
Where Spirit Bears Live
Most spirit bears are found in coastal British Columbia, Canada, especially in the Great Bear Rainforest. They are more common in areas with dense coastal rainforests.
Why Spirit Bears Are Rare
Scientists estimate that roughly one in ten black bears in some parts of British Columbia carries the white coat gene. The population remains small because the gene is uncommon and habitat is limited.
Conservation and Cultural Importance
Spirit bears are protected under Canadian law and are considered a symbol of the region. They are also culturally significant to Indigenous peoples, who view them as sacred.
