Rare spirit bear cub living near B.C. highway stirs excitement, concern, as word of its existence spreads

Shelley Lindaas, an amateur wildlife photographer based in Terrace, near B.C.’s north coast, has long been captivated by the idea of seeing a Kermode bear cub in person. Spending her free time hiking in the backwoods and patiently waiting with her camera equipment, she finally had a chance encounter with the rare, light-furred variant of a black bear this year.

Driving along the highway, Lindaas spotted the cub, along with its family, just off the road. Overwhelmed with excitement, she described the moment as “off the charts.” The Kermode bear, also known as a spirit bear, is a subset of black bears found in B.C.’s North and Central Coast regions. Their unique coloration is due to a recessive gene passed down through black bears, making them one of the rarest bear sightings in the world, with a population estimated to be fewer than 500.

For generations, First Nations kept information about the bears limited to protect them from hunting and trapping. However, in recent years, there has been a push to raise awareness about the need for ecosystem management on B.C.’s coast by highlighting the existence of these unique bears.

The debate over how to handle the discovery of such a sought-after animal is currently playing out in Terrace. While many are celebrating sightings of the cub, there are concerns that posting photos and videos of it could put the bear at risk by drawing too many people to the region.

Lindaas, who carefully documents her wildlife encounters on social media, typically waits until August to share her photos to ensure the bears have moved away from the area. However, due to the widespread sightings of the Kermode bear cub, she made an exception this time. Despite the excitement of seeing such a rare animal up close, she emphasized the importance of giving wildlife their space and not acclimatizing them to human contact.

Conservation officers have issued warnings urging people to keep their distance from the bears and avoid behavior that could habituate them to human presence. Feeding the bears or getting too close to take photos can increase the risk of harm to both the animals and humans. The conservation officer service is concerned that as more tourists visit the region, the likelihood of human-bear conflicts will increase.

It is crucial for the public to understand the importance of respecting wildlife and following guidelines set by wildlife officials. By maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding behaviors that could habituate bears to human contact, we can help protect these rare and majestic animals for future generations to enjoy.