Ask A Bear: Are White Spirit Bears Real?

Our resident bruin expert answers all in our weekly feature, 'Ask A Bear.'

Q: After the Olympics in Vancouver, my buddy told me he thought he remembered someone on TV saying they found a white spirit bear. Is this true, or is he smoking too much peyote?—Gerald Nutinya, via email

A: I'm happy to report that your pal isn't just making up stories after getting hazed and infused with post-Olympics joy.

There is a rare subspecies of black bear, called a Kermode bear, that often exhibits white pigmentation. These bears aren't albino or blonde like some other black and brown bears; instead, they possess a recessive gene that expresses itself in 1/10 of the population as a white or cream-colored coat. They're usually found on the coast of British Columbia, but sightings have been reported in Minnesota, too.

In fact, some folks in BC recently stumbled upon a hibernating Kermode bear when they fell into its den. They've set up a webcam to watch the bear (which they named Apollo) while he sleeps. Watch:

Now, maybe I wouldn't feel this way if it was a person, but watching me while I sleep? That's just plain creepy, folks.

—BEAR

Got a question for the bear? Send it to askabear@backpacker.com.

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READERS COMMENTS

I have seen a mostly blonde and partially black colored black bear that makes part of his living trying to rip off human food at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp on the Tuolomne River in Yosemite National Park - one of my favorite backpack destinations.
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 George Welle

Yes, the Spirit Bear is real. They were endangered due to potential destruction of habitat, and saved by a young boy who lobbied for them. A photographer Howie Garber who I met several years ago has taken some remarkable pictures.
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 John P. Thompson

Indeed they're real! We mounted an expedition last summer, crossing the remote island on BC's coast where they live, looking for the Spirit Bear. It was quite a trip! I hope to get back there sometime again, to Princess Royal Island. Read about the trip here: http://www.rainforesttreks.com/SpiritBearJourney
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Mike MacFerrin

I have seen a Black Bear, in Idaho, that was colored like a Panda. He was partially black and partially white.
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 John Wood