What is a spirit bear?

A spirit bear, also known as a Kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), is a rare subspecies of the North American black bear found primarily in the coastal rainforests of British Columbia, Canada. They are named for their distinctive white or cream-colored fur, which stands out in contrast to the typical black fur of their close relatives.

Here’s a closer look at these fascinating creatures:

Appearance:

  • Fur: The most striking feature of spirit bears is their fur. Unlike typical black bears, they have white or cream-colored fur, ranging from pure white to a yellowish-cream. This unique fur color is caused by a recessive gene.
  • Size: Spirit bears are similar in size to typical black bears, ranging from 4.5 to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 600 pounds.
  • Other features: Despite their fur color, spirit bears share many physical characteristics with other black bears, including black noses, brown eyes, and large claws.

Habitat:

  • Spirit bears are found primarily in the coastal rainforests of British Columbia, Canada, particularly on Princess Royal and Gribbell Islands.
  • They prefer areas with dense forests, abundant salmon streams, and a variety of berries and other food sources.

Diet:

  • Spirit bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
  • Their diet mainly consists of salmon, berries, sedges, and other vegetation.
  • They are skilled hunters and opportunistically prey on small mammals, insects, and carrion.

Behavior:

  • Spirit bears are typically solitary animals, except for mothers with cubs.
  • They are most active during the day and spend their nights sleeping in dens or tree cavities.
  • Like other bears, they are excellent climbers and swimmers.

Spirituality and Symbolism:

  • First Nations communities in British Columbia have long revered spirit bears as sacred animals, considering them symbols of strength, wisdom, and transformation.
  • The spirit bear is the official provincial mammal of British Columbia.

Conservation Status:

  • Spirit bears are classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
  • Habitat loss, hunting, and human-bear conflicts are the main threats to their survival.
  • Conservation efforts are underway to protect spirit bears and their habitat.

Further Resources:

We hope this information helps you learn more about these amazing creatures!

More photos below.