The Kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei) is a rare and elusive subspecies of the North American black bear in which approximately one in every 10 bears is white or cream-coloured.

The Kermode bear is endemic only to the unique temperate rainforest region off the Pacific coast of British Columbia, Canada. Biologists estimate a population of 1,200 kermode bears, of which less than 200 are white phased. These white phased bears are known locally as "spirit bears"

IUCN Species Survival Commission:

The elusive and rare Kermode bear Ursus americanus kermodei of British Columbia is in dire need of your protection. Biologists estimate a population of 1,200 kermode bears, of which less then 400 are white phased.

The kermode bear faces extinction due to habitat loss, restricted range, and hybridization with mainland species of black bear which do not carry the unique genetics that produce the rare white "spirit" bear. 

Protection of this species is needed to further study and investigate the genetic uniqueness of populations containing the white phase, and to ascertain levels of gene flow among the kermode populations. Your efforts have already help preserved The Louisiana Black Bear Ursus americanus luteolus which qualified for protection in 1992. The kermode bear warrants that same protection.

These bears are a valuable source for learning and are great ambassadors for their kind.  This is their very last hope, and they need our help.

Please assure us that the IUCN is taking steps to put these protections in place for the preservation of this most rare and beautiful spirit bear.

thank you!