There are eight species of bears in the world; American Black Bear, Brown Bear, Polar Bear, Sloth Bear, Giant Panda Bear, Sun Bear, Asiatic Black Bear, and the Spectacled Bear. Within these eight species lie subspecies that are specific to different geographical regions. For example, the American Black Bear has 16 recognized subspecies based on minor differences in their appearance and DNA.
One of these subspecies is the Kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei). A Kermode bear, or “Spirit Bear” is a black bear with a rare recessive gene that makes their fur a creamy white color. While they might look albino, Kermode bears are not in fact albino. True albinos would have no pigment in their eyes and skin, but rather Kermode bears, have a mutant gene (unrelated to albinism) that is the cause of their unusual coloration.
Variation in color is actually a common trait of the American Black Bear. While called “black” bears, black bears actually vary in color and can be brown, cinnamon, blonde, white, or even blue-grey. This makes the distinction between black and brown bears a little more difficult. Rather than color, scientists use other identifiers to distinguish between these two species in areas where they both reside (such as the western United States).
Like other subspecies of black bears, the Kermode bear is an opportunistic omnivore. This means that they will eat pretty much anything! Fruits, berries, nuts, grasses, shoots and roots, insects, fawns, and carrion are just a few examples of what a Kermode bear will eat. Living in only a very specific area of British Columbia, Kermode bears also take advantage of the coastal life, by gorging themselves on spawning Pacific salmon in the fall before entering hibernation. While their white fur definitely sticks out to us, it actually helps to camouflage them more while fishing. This is because from below, they contrast less with the bright sky behind them, allowing them to catch more fish.
There are an estimated 400 Kermode bears left living in the wild today. Not only do they face habitat loss and prey source decline, but the ability to pass on this mutant gene is rare in it of itself. Only one in ten black bears carry this rare recessive gene, and in order to pass this gene onto their cubs, BOTH parents must carry it. And only then, does the true Spirit Bear coloration come about.
First Nation communities that lived in the British Columbia region for thousands of years, referred to the Kermode bears as the Spirit Bear or “moskgm’ol”. This means “white bear” and they viewed the large animal as sacred. The old legend says that the Spirit Bear was created white to remind people of the glaciers that once covered the land. The white fur of this bear is a reminder to appreciate the now lush, and vegetated state of the land today. Many of the natives also believed that the Spirit Bear held special powers.
Mythical powers or not, there is no doubt that Kermode bears play a key role in the natural ecosystem of Canada. Oftentimes referred to as a “Keystone Species”, bears are renowned for their importance to the environment and other animal life around them. Not only are they great seed dispersers, predators, and pollinators, but they can also contribute to forest growth. By spreading the nutrients of salmon or other prey species, bears are providing the forest floor with crucial nutrients that can then be put directly back into the growth and health of its trees.
Sadly, Kermode bears are actually rarer than scientists had previously thought. A recent study found that the genetic mutation that causes the unique coloration of the Spirit Bear is 50% rarer than previously estimated. Scientists also found that in the places where this rare gene occurs, there are not sufficient enough protections and conservation measures currently in place.
Not only are Spirit Bears so important environmentally and culturally, but also economically. Understandably, there is a huge tourism draw to come visit one of the only places in the world where Kermode bears can be viewed. Only through further education and protections, will more generations be able to make such a trip to see the legendary Spirit Bear.
