Spirit Bears, which exist exclusively in the Great Bear Rainforest on the coast of British Columbia, are actually Black Bears with a recessive gene which causes them to have white fur, but they are not albino.

The recessive gene requires two recessive genes in order for this characteristic (white fur) to show up, therefore you can see a white bear that actually has a black cub (or vice versa). Two years ago this Spirit Bear actually had two black cubs.

If you are interested in purchasing this image, or any other images on my site, contact Terri Shaddick at [email protected].

Taken: September 28, 2016
Location: Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Focal Length: 340mm
Aperture: f/7.1
ISO: 5000
Exposure: 1/1250