Long a symbol for Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest, the iconic Spirit Bear holds a special role in the culture and balance of this very special region. Also known as the Kermode bear, Spirit Bear is a rare subspecies of the North American black bear found only in Great Bear Rainforest on Canada’s Pacific Coast.

As one of the few white-furred mammals in the world, Spirit Bears are incredibly rare, and play an important role in both the mythology and tradition of local First Nations communities, which believe it to represent the intersection of peace and harmony.

Like any apex predator, Spirit Bears help maintain the delicate balance in the region’s complex food web. One that starts with hunting salmon in natal rivers, moves to feed the flora of the land, and the birds in sky. Without question, protecting this rare and iconic sub-species is crucial to ecological stability and generations of legend and legacy in this remarkable wilderness.

What Are Spirit Bears?

Spirit Bears (Ursus Americanus Kermodei) are a sub-species of Black Bear. Although similar to black bears in many ways, the Spirit Bear’s coat is a unique white-gray colour that stands out among the lush green of this temperate rainforest.

Spirit Bears also have longer snouts than black bears, and their fur tends to be thicker and shaggier. They rely on an omnivorous diet, eating both plants and animals. They are also strong and agile climbers, making them well-adapted to life in the rainforest.

In the wild, Spirit Bears can reach up to 8 feet long and weigh up to 350 pounds. They are solitary animals that usually live alone. However, they can occasionally be seen living in small family groups, with some recorded living up to 25 years in the wild.

Don’t be fooled by these creatures big size, the Spirit Bears have some serious speed—55 km per hour! Plus, they can go for months without a meal when hibernating in colder climates. Now that’s impressive!

Are Spirit Bears Albino Black Bears?

The quick answer is no, Spirit Bears are not albino Black Bears. Although both bears share an otherworldly beauty, they are very different animals. Spirit Bears have a unique, vivid pigment to their skin and eyes. This isn’t the case with albino bears, who by genetic make-up, have little-to-no pigment.

The spirit bear’s unusual colouration has been passed down through generations and is the result of a single, rare mutation in their MC1R gene. This mutation allows the Spirit Bear to both carry and pass on a gene that produces their iconic white fur – but not all time and not in every instance. It’s much like having red-hair in humans, but rarer still.

Why Are Spirit Bears So Rare?

1 out of 10 black bears is pale, and to produce pale cubs, both parents must have the gene that carries the white or cream-colored coat. Simply put, the probability of mating black bears producing a spirit bear is slim, even if one happens to a Spirit Bear itself.

What Do First Nation’s Call Spirit Bears?

The First Nations communities that have resided in the region for generations call the Spirit Bear ‘moksgm’ol’, which means ‘white bear’. They view the animal as sacred. The spirit bear is an important part of the First Nations’ culture and traditions, and is seen as a sign of peace, harmony, and balance.

Since the 19th century, the indigenous peoples have kept the Spirit Bear’s existence a secret, in hope to keep the bear’s ghostly coat safe from fur traders. Thankfully, nowadays the area is protected and the bears along with it.

Interesting Facts about Spirit Bears

What Does a Spirit Bear Eat?

The Spirit Bear’s habitat consists of old-growth forests, rivers, and estuaries, and is home to a variety of wildlife and vegetation. Spirit Bears mainly feed on salmon, berries, and other small animals, such as frogs, snakes, and rodents. Ocassionally, they will hunt small deer and elk – a feast fit for royalty

How Do Spirit Bears Help the Ecosystem?

Bears are an important part of the ecosystem. They help the forest grow by spreading nutrients from the sea. They bring salmon carcasses into the forest, and the forest absorbs them. The nutrients from the ocean go into adjacent trees and flora.The same can be said for black and grizzly bears.

Do Spirit Bears Have Difficulty Hunting for Food?

It’s said that Spirit Bears are more successful at catching salmon in daylight compared to black bears, because they contrast less with a brighter background, making it a little harder for salmon to notice them.

Watching the Spirit Bear’s Majestic Behavior

This bear is a true symbol of the majestic beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest. They can be seen at any time of day, though they are mostly active at night. Spirit bears usually live alone, but mothers with their cubs are an exception.

There are also mating season gatherings of bears, where male and females spend time together and eat food. This behaviour usually takes place in the summer and fall when they gorge on berries and salmon.

The position of a bear’s head tells a lot about how they feel. For example, putting their head below their shoulders shows that they are angry. Angry bears often growl, show their teeth, salivate, open and close their mouths, and make a loud, chomping sound to scare their opponent off.

Bears instinctively stay away from people everywhere in the world – especially when it feels threatened, a bear will usually walk away from a person. Most bears stay away from people when they’re nearby, but a mother bear or a bear looking for food may act defensively. However, the Kermode bear has been seen to be calm and non aggressive. It is thought that it would only attack a person if its cubs were in danger or if it was starving to death.

Population Size:

Researchers are still figuring out how many spirit bears live in British Columbia, but the Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation thinks it’s somewhere between 50 and 150.

Understanding the Threats Facing Canada’s Rare Spirit Bear

The Spirit Bear is facing significant threats due to human activities. Logging, mining, and fishing are all major issues that are affecting their habitat and disrupting the balance of their ecosystem. Here are two of the most pressing issues that the Spirit Bear faces:

• Loss of habitat: The Spirit Bear needs old-growth forests to live, eat, and stay safe from predators. As these forests are cleared for development, the bear’s habitat shrinks and its population declines. The big, old cedar trees that the bears use for hibernating and giving birth have been under threat in recent years from a lack of adequate logging guidelines. Biologists are concerned that this will have negative repercussions for the species.
• Other species: Fewer salmon numbers means grizzlies have to travel farther to find food. As a result they’re competing with Spirit Bears for resources. This might be bad news for the Kermode. Grizzlies are larger and stronger, and they usually chase other bears away from prime fishing spots.

Set Off in Search of the Majestic Spirit Bear!

On your next trip to British Columbia, go deep into the Great Bear Rainforest and try to catch a glimpse of these hard-to-find animals and enjoy the beautiful scenery. An incredible experience awaits intrepid explorers willing to brave this wild realm! The bears are most prevalent in traditional territories of the Gitga’at and Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nations.

Klemtu and Hartley Bay are the two best places to spot Spirit Bears and are home to the world’s largest concentration of these animals. The waterways of Klemtu and Hartley Bay are the perfect place to observe the white, majestic bear. There are a number of eco-tours available for those seeking a closer look. These tours take visitors through the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, providing an opportunity to spot the bears in their natural habitat. The tours also offer a chance to learn more about the rainforest and the spirit bear’s plight in the face of human encroachment.

Don’t Let Them Become Just Another “Beary” Good Memory!

The Great Bear Rainforest is a spectacular area filled with beauty and mystery, and its conservation is essential for protecting the Spirit Bears and other wildlife species that reside there.

Spreading awareness about the bears benefits both humans and the environment. Educating people about the forest’s beauty and the threats facing it encourages sustainable tourism and promotes the growing economy.

It’s up to us, the public, to work together to keep this sacred and valuable land safe for future generations. Let’s make sure the Spirit Bears and the Great Bear Rainforest are not forgotten and remain a part of our lives for many years to come.

Where to stay in Great Bear Rainforest

Embarking on a journey to the enchanting Great Bear Rainforest? Wondering where to stay in the Great Bear Rainforest? Look no further! Our dedicated page boasts a myriad of accommodation options, tailored to every traveler’s preference. Whether you’re seeking a cozy cabin, a luxurious lodge, or an immersive eco-retreat, we’ve got it all covered. 

The best part? Each place is nestled amidst the pristine wilderness, offering you an unparalleled experience, surrounded by the majestic beauty of nature. Dive deep into the heart of the forest, wake up to the soothing sounds of nature, and let the awe-inspiring landscapes take your breath away. Begin browsing and let the adventure begin!