Why This Rare Bear Far Exceeds Its Peers at Catching Salmon

The post Why This Rare Bear Far Exceeds Its Peers at Catching Salmon appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Animals are adept at adapting, but what happens when an animal is born with an innate advantage over its peers? Across countless species, genetic variations occur either through evolution or happenstance. This can certainly be said of the elusive and striking Kermode bear, a rare species of black bear found only in British Columbia.

What makes the Kermode bear so special, and how does it thrive despite its arresting white coat? This is how a small population of rare bears thrives more than their common cousins.

Meet the Kermode Bear of the Great Bear Rainforest

Also known as spirit bears, Kermode bears reside within a region of British Columbia’s coastline. Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation tales discuss the Kermode bear as a gift, a sign that humans should be grateful for the diverse bounties of our planet. This is largely because Kermode bears are a rare sight.

An estimated 100-300 Kermode bears live in the Great Bear Rainforest, specifically on the Gribbell and Princess Royal Islands. They are considered a unique color phase of the American black bear. While the black bear population within the Great Bear Forest numbers in the thousands, Kermode bears make up a staggering 20% of this population.

How do so many rare subspecies of black bear exist in this forest? Besides it being a protected habitat, there’s one more reason Kermode bears continue to thrive: their beautiful coats.

How the Kermode Bear Thrives: Unique Color Advantage

Kermode bears typically have cream and white colorations, making them stand out against the misty, wooded landscape of the Great Bear Rainforest. These color-phase bears aren’t typically found anywhere else in the world, with only four cubs identified beyond British Columbia in recent decades.

A single gene variant causes this typically recessive trait to persist and create Kermode bears. Two black bears can have a white cub if this variant is present, and vice versa. However, the high concentration of Kermode bears on British Columbia’s central coast keeps this population thriving. 

There is little genetic diversity in the bear population of this area. Given that the Kermode bear primarily lives on islands, few bears from other territories enter their breeding grounds. The concentration of Kermode bears in the Great Bear Rainforest allows their recessive genes to spread, increasing the chances for white cubs to occur. The protected region allows these rare cubs to thrive.

There’s one other reason scientists believe the Kermode bear survives: their white coats are actually an advantage. 

Catching Salmon: The Kermode Bear’s Favorite Food

It’s no secret that bears of all species enjoy salmon. Black bears and grizzlies alike take to the rivers to catch salmon as they leap upstream to spawn. Kermode bears are no exception to this behavior. In fact, they appear to have an advantage over bears of darker colors when it comes to catching fish.

Scientists discovered that Kermode bears are far more successful at hunting salmon during daylight compared to their typical-colored peers. While black bears have a slight advantage hunting salmon in the evening, these white bears were nearly 10% more successful during the day.

Why might this be the case? Scientists posit that Kermode bears are far more difficult for salmon to recognize during daylight hours. In fact, they tested this theory using humans in differently colored clothing and at differing times of day.

While wearing black clothes then white clothes made little difference to salmon during evening hours, white clothes proved far more stealthy by the light of day. Salmon were twice as likely to evade the darker outfit as opposed to white clothing. By proving this, scientists then observed the same outcomes in black bears and Kermode bears.

Because Kermode bears appear to be significantly more successful in catching salmon during the daytime, their populations continue to thrive. This rare, life-changing bear feeds itself well, leading to the spread of its recessive genes and white color phase.

Other Animals Sharing the Kermode Bear’s Habitat

The Great Bear Rainforest is a protected region of British Columbia and home to many other animals. These animals often directly benefit from the Kermode bear’s salmon hunting, as they bring the fish into the forest to feast. The carcass left behind helps feed many other species and the ecosystem at large.

Some of the most common species sharing a habitat with the Kermode bear include:

• Mountain goats
• Sitka deer
• Grizzly bears
• Coastal wolves
• Weasels
• Bald eagles
• Loons
• Minks

Visit the Great Bear Rainforest and the Kermode Bear Today

While you may not spot one of the elusive Kermode bears on your travels, visiting the Great Bear Rainforest is still an ideal destination for nature lovers. It stretches roughly 250 miles along the British Columbia coastline, which means there are countless activities to enjoy.

From natural hot springs bathing to hiking amongst old-growth forests, the Great Bear Rainforest has something for everyone. Be sure to visit during the temperate months of late August through October for your best chance at witnessing the Kermode bear hunting salmon!

The post Why This Rare Bear Far Exceeds Its Peers at Catching Salmon appeared first on A-Z Animals.