The Kermode bear, also known as the &quot;spirit bear&quot; or &quot;ghost bear&quot;, is subspecies of the American Black Bear living in the central coast of British Columbia, and noted for a small percentage of their population having white or cream-coloured coats. This colour variant is due to a unique recessive trait in their gene pool&mdash;they are neither albino nor related to polar bears.<br />
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Because of their ghost-like appearance, &quot;spirit bears&quot; hold a prominent place in the American Indian mythology of the area.<br />
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The kermodei subspecies ranges from Princess Royal Island to Prince Rupert Island on the coast, and inland toward Hazelton, British Columbia.