The Kermode bear is a subspecies of the American black bear found in coastal British Columbia. They weigh between 125-300 pounds and are 5-6 feet in length. Their population is estimated at under 1300. Kermode bears eat a variety of vegetation, fruits, fish and small animals. Approximately 10% have pure white fur which helps camouflage them in the dense, dark forests they inhabit. They are considered spirit bears in local indigenous cultures and seen as symbols of past hardships. Major threats to their survival include habitat loss from logging and changes to their ecosystem from climate change.

1. Kermode Bear!

2. Weight They weigh about 250 to 300 pounds for males. Females weigh about 125 to 175 pounds. Length is approximately 5 to 6 feet. This is how big the Kermode bear is than the man. This is a picture.

3. Lifespan They live 20 to 25 years in the wild. There life is not very long like ours. This is a picture of a Kermode bear in the wild.

4. Population The population of the Kermode bear is estimated to be under 1300.

5. Food Their habitat includes dense forests with an abundance of plants, streams, fish, and animals. They eat all kind of vegetation, fruits, bulbs, insects, rodents, nuts, and salmon. Due to their abundant food supply it is easy for them to bulk up for the harsh winters.

6. Other Information The Kermode bear is a unique subspecies of the American Black Bear. Approximately 10 percent of their population has completely white colored fur. Their color is believed to be caused by a recessive gene trait. Since they are white they stand out against the dark green forest they inhabit. The Kermode bear is named after Frances Kermode of the Royal British Columbia Museum. Due to their special color and rarity, the Kermode bear is revered by local Native American culture. They are referred to as the spirit bear or ghost bear . According to Native American legend, the spirit bear is a reminder of times past, specifically the white color of ice and snow. The master of the universe created one white bear for every ten black bears as a reminder of the hardships during the ice age. During this period glaciers and cold blanketed the planet. The spirit bear also symbolizes peace and harmony. The Kermode bear is brought to life in the popular novel "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen. A troubled youth comes to terms with himself after encountering a spirit bear in an island forest. The book explores the folklore and beliefs of Native American people. The major threat to this species is loss of pristine habitat from ongoing logging operations. Global warming is a long term threat that alters their balanced ecosystem. Reduction of salmon supplies by man made activities (e.g.: over fishing, pollution, etc.) also threaten the Kermode spirit bear.

7. Interesting Information Kermode bears mate during the summer months. When fall arrives the mother bear finds a suitable place to den such as a hollow tree trunk, rock shelter, or hillside dugout. They line their dens with dried grass, leaves, and twigs for comfort and insulation. During hibernation they enter a quasi sleep like state to conserve energy during the cold winter. Functions of the body slow down and stored fat that the bear has accumulated throughout the year is utilized. Pregnant females give birth in their den while in hibernation. Hibernation lasts until spring or early summer depending on weather conditions. Due to the remote and unspoiled territories that these bears live in, they are neither accustomed nor fearful of man.

8. The End!!!!!