The Spirit Bear: Guardian of Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest
Exploring the natural history, Indigenous Legends, and conservation of British Columbia’s unique white bear
Deep in the lush rainforests of British Columbia lives one of the most unique animals in the world—the Spirit bear.
The Gitxsan word for this white bear is 'Maas ol. This special creature holds a significant place in both nature and the culture of Indigenous peoples. More recently, the Spirit bear was given a name by Westerners who named it the Kermode bear.
What Is the Spirit Bear?
The Spirit bear is a subspecies of the American black bear.
While most Kermode bears have black fur, about 100 to 500 of them are born with white fur. These white bears are called Spirit bears and are most commonly found on three islands: Gribbell, Princess Royal, and Roderick.
It’s important to know that Spirit bears are not albinos.
They have pigmented skin and eyes. Their white fur is caused by a gene mutation. If a bear inherits this gene from both parents, it will have white fur. Interestingly, two black bears can have a white cub if both carry this gene.
Scientists have found that white Spirit bears are better at catching salmon during the day than their black-furred relatives. The white fur makes them less visible to fish underwater, helping them catch more food. Perhaps the mutation is evolutionary.
The Great Bear Rainforest
The Spirit bear lives mainly in the Great Bear Rainforest, a huge area along the coast of British Columbia.
This rainforest is about the size of Ireland and is one of the largest untouched temperate rainforests in the world.
The Great Bear Rainforest is home to many animals, like cougars, wolves, salmon, grizzly bears, and of course, the Kermode bear. The forest is filled with ancient trees, some over a thousand years old, like the western red cedar and the towering Sitka spruce.
In 2016, the government of British Columbia agreed to protect 85% of the old-growth forest in the Great Bear Rainforest from industrial logging. This was a big step toward preserving the home of the Spirit bear and many other species.
A Story from Indigenous Culture
The Spirit bear holds a special place in the traditions of Indigenous peoples in the area.
According to a story from the Gitxsan people, long ago, the world was covered in ice and snow. When the ice began to melt, the Creator, known as We’gyet, wanted to remind people of this time.
He asked the black bear if it would carry a reminder. The black bear agreed, and so We’gyet made one out of every ten black bears white. These white bears would remind everyone of the past and the importance of respecting the land.
This story is important because it connects people to their history and teaches lessons about the environment and change. It shows how deeply the Spirit bear is woven into the culture and beliefs of Indigenous communities.
Conservation Efforts
Challenges Facing the Spirit Bear
The Spirit bear faces several threats.
Habitat Loss: Industrial activities like logging can destroy the forests where the bears live.
Hunting: While hunting Kermode bears is illegal, black bear hunting is allowed. Since black bears can carry the gene for white fur, hunting them reduces the chances of more Spirit bears being born.
Climate Change: Changes in climate affect salmon populations, which are a crucial food source for the bears.
Grizzly Bears: As resources become scarce, grizzly bears move into areas where Spirit bears live, competing for food.
What Is Being Done
Protected Areas: In 2006, large parts of the Great Bear Rainforest were set aside to protect the Spirit bear’s habitat. About 500,000 acres across 11 conservancies were dedicated to this cause.
Research and Monitoring: Scientists work with Indigenous communities to study the bears. They collect hair samples and map bear populations to understand how best to protect them.
Ecotourism: Places like the Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu offer guided tours to see the bears in their natural habitat. This not only raises awareness but also provides jobs for local people.
Hunting Bans: In 2012, coastal First Nations banned trophy hunting of all bears in their territories within the Great Bear Rainforest. In 2017, the British Columbia government banned grizzly bear trophy hunting in the area.
Ongoing Efforts
Despite progress, more work is needed.
Protecting More Land: Conservation groups aim to safeguard additional areas important to the Spirit bear, like Gribbell Island.
Opposing Harmful Projects: Proposed projects like certain pipelines could threaten the bears’ habitat. Environmentalists and Indigenous groups work together to prevent these developments.
Connection Between Canadians and the Spirit Bear
The Spirit bear is more than just an animal; it’s a symbol of the wild beauty of Canada.
It reminds us of the importance of preserving nature and respecting the traditions of those who have lived alongside these creatures for thousands of years.
For Indigenous communities, the Spirit bear represents a connection to their ancestors and the stories that have been passed down through generations. For the broader community, it stands as a unique and irreplaceable part of Canada’s natural heritage.
Why Protecting the Spirit Bear Matters
Biodiversity: The Spirit bear plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. By spreading salmon carcasses in the forest, it helps fertilize the soil, which benefits plant life.
Cultural Significance: Protecting the bear also means preserving the rich cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
Education and Awareness: The Spirit bear inspires people to learn about conservation and the environment.
How You Can Help
Learn More: Educate yourself about the Spirit bear and the Great Bear Rainforest.
Support Conservation Groups: Donate or volunteer with organizations working to protect the bears and their habitat.
Responsible Tourism: If you visit the area, choose eco-friendly tours that respect wildlife and support local communities.
Did You Know?
The Spirit bear is the official mammal of British Columbia.
It’s estimated that there are only about 100 to 500 white Spirit bears in existence.
The bears are not albino; their white fur is due to a special gene. They are sometimes mistaken as polar bears.
(Fun fact: Polar bears don’t have white fur and are also not albino. Polar bears have black skin covered with dense underfur, which is protected by an outer coat of hollow, translucent guard hairs that keep them warm.)
The Kermode bear is named after Frank Kermode, a former director of the Royal B.C. Museum, who studied the subspecies and collaborated with zoologist William Hornaday, who first described it for Westerners.
The Spirit bear is a true Canadian treasure. By understanding its importance and working together, we can help ensure that this magnificent creature continues to thrive in the wild forests of British Columbia for generations to come.
Sources used to research this story
https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/guardians-of-the-glacial-past/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Bear_Rainforest
https://greatbeartales.com/what-is-spirit-bear/
https://www.naturesexpression.com/blog-spirit-bear
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/spirit-bear