Kermode bears are a subspecies of the American black bear found in coastal British Columbia. They are named after Frank Kermode, a Royal B.C. Museum former director.
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Ursidae |
| Genus | Ursus |
| Species | U. americanus |
| Scientific Name | Ursus americanus kermodei |
Quick Information
| Also known as | Spirit bear, Ghost bear |
| Description | Size: 3.3-3.9 ft (100-120 cm) at the shoulders Weight: Females are 155 lb (70 kg) on average while males are around 300 lb (135 kg); they can, however, weigh as much as 640 lb (290 kg) Color: Being a subspecies of the American black bear, most individuals are that color, but there are between 100 and 500 individuals that are entirely white |
| Distribution | Central and northern coastal areas of British Columbia |
| Habitat | Coastal rainforests |
| Sounds & Communication | Grunting and tongue-clicking; they also communicate through touch, smell, and visual cues |
| Lifespan | 25 years in the wild but usually only survives for around 10 years |
| Diet | Plant material, berries, and salmon |
| Adaptations | The thick fur helps them survive the cold weather their habitat offers |
| Predators | Cubs are vulnerable to cougars and wolves |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Behavior
- They have a crepuscular lifestyle, being active around twilight.
- They are solitary animals, except for females with her cubs, groups at feeding sites, and mating pairs.
- Kermode bears are territorial.
- They hibernate through the winter months by lowering the metabolism that allows them to survive for months without eating, drinking, defecating or urinating.
Mating & Reproduction
The mating season peaks between June and August. The gestation period is around 8 months. Litters may consist of up to 6 cubs but usually has 2-3.
Life-cycle
Cubs start to walk at around 5 weeks of age. They are nursed for up to 30 weeks and eventually disperse at around 16-18 months old. They become sexually mature by 3 years.
Interesting Facts
- Kermode bears are the provincial mammal of British Columbia.
- Studies have shown that black Kermode bears mate mostly with bears with the same color as them, while white ones mate with white Kermode bears.
