Which bear subspecies is known for white coats on British Columbia's coast?

The Kermode bear is the bear subspecies known for white coats on British Columbia’s coast.

The Kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei) is a subspecies of the American black bear found along British Columbia’s central and northern coast. Its white-coated individuals are commonly called spirit bears. Most Kermode bears are black, so the white coat is a rare color phase rather than a separate species.

The white coloration is caused by a recessive mutation in the MC1R gene, which prevents normal melanin production in the fur. Spirit bears are not albinos: their eyes and skin remain pigmented. Two black-coated parents can produce a white cub if both carry the recessive variant.

The coat may also provide a feeding advantage. During salmon runs, white bears are harder for fish to see beneath the water and can be more successful at catching salmon. The name Kermode honors Frank Kermode, a former director of the Royal British Columbia Museum.