Spirit bears are rare black bears with white fur. Almost of them live on islands along the rain forest coast of British Columbia. They are not polar bears or albinos. Scientifically, their white fur is the product of a recessive gene. Mystically, there are many legends about the spirit bear that are told among the native american tribes.
Thanks so much for posting both the warm painting as the information. After reading I went looking on the internet for more information about them. Very special.
Yes…and there are only about 400 and their existence is being threatened as is true for so many species.
Beautiful.
You have made him appear thoughtful and wise, Gretchen. I see “spirit” in this all over the place. I did not know of white black bears. Thank you for the info.
I painted this with spirit healing intention and it was subsequently purchased as a gift for a Native American going into drug rehab. It is one of his totem animals. Hopefully this little spirit bear will help this young man in his healing.
Gretchen