Kermode Bear, The Spirit Of The Forest
The kermode bear is an animal that has been revered for generations by the native communities of North America. Its almost magical character was granted thanks to the color of its fur.
Also called moksgm’ol , the kermode bear inhabits the forests of British Columbia, Canada. The white of its coat makes it look very unusual in wet forests. Thus, this color is the external representation of a recessive genetic trait.
In fact, spiritual bears are not a species per se. Kermode’s bear is just like a black bear, with a genetic difference that changes the color of its skin and fur.
However, moksgm’ol are not albino bears. Its coat is completely white, from root to tip. Despite this, their noses and eyes are dark, like all other black bears.
Kermode bears are not very common animals in black bear communities. The genetic characteristic that allows its unique coloration is recessive in individuals of the black bear species.
Not all black bears carry the recessive white coat gene . However, if both black parents have the recessive gene, they can have a moksgm’ol offspring. Thus, it is not necessary for a parent to be a kermode bear to have a white cub.
According to animal genealogy experts, the kermode bear is a mutation of the black bear that has been around for centuries. However, explorers of their habitat only reported them in the early 20th century. This is due to the zeal with which Native American communities keep the secret of their existence.
Distribution and habitat of the kermode bear
Over the years, various groups of ethnologists and zoologists have studied the fauna of British Columbia through the oral tradition of its native peoples. So they learned that moksgm’ol has lived in the same area for several centuries.
This finding was confirmed by experts when analyzing the genetic content of the ‘spirit bear’. Based on the results, kermodes lived in isolated, ice-free areas during the ice ages.
Precisely because of this isolation, the total number of the bear population was kept under control. This, in addition to the advantage given by its light color when hunting salmon, allowed the number of kermode bears to remain high relative to the population of black bears.
The moksgm’ol mainly inhabits the Big Bear Forest, a protected space by the Canadian government. On Royal Princess Island, about 25% of the total population of black bears have the kermode gene mutation.
Like all black bears, in the fall, the kermode bear digs a den to spend the winter. Choosing the exact location for the excavation takes several weeks. It’s a delicate choice as it will be where a kermode bear will stay for over four months.
Feed the spirit bear
Like black bears, a kermode bear feeds primarily on salmon. However, these bears are omnivores and consume animal and plant foods. A moksgm’ol’s diet can vary greatly depending on the season and the area in which it is found.
Among the vegetable foods that he consumes the most are berries and other red fruits, grass and small shrubs. In addition, a kermode feeds on insects, moose, deer and salmon when it is in season.
The consumption of salmon is very important in the weeks before the hibernation period. Eating salmon allows the bear to accumulate enough fat and energy to survive the harsh winter.
Unlike black bears, the kermode bear has a clear advantage when hunting salmon, which tries to avoid dark obstacles on its way down the river. Thus, the white coat of the ‘spirit bear’ allows it to get close to its prey, which puts it in a more favorable position.
The kermode bear does not behave differently from the black bear. However, it represents a very important symbol for the native cultures of the region.
In a joint effort between non-governmental organizations, government institutions and nearby communities, British Columbia’s bears are increasingly protected. Still, it is important that conservation projects continue to reach more species.
