KERMODE BEAR Meaning and
Definition
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The Kermode bear, scientifically known as Ursus americanus kermodei, is a subspecies of the American black bear native to the central and northern coastal regions of British Columbia, Canada. Also commonly referred to as the "spirit bear" or "ghost bear," it is renowned for its unique and iconic white or cream-colored fur. This distinguishing coat coloration is the result of a recessive gene variant, known as the KIT mutation, which is prevalent within the population of these bears.
The Kermode bear's fur can vary in shades, ranging from pure white to a pale blond, and exceptionally, some individuals may exhibit patches of black fur. This genetic adaptation provides the bears with a distinct advantage in their habitat, as it enables them to effectively camouflage among the coastal rainforest's snowy environments and blend in with their surroundings, aiding them in hunting and avoiding predators.
Despite their fair complexion, Kermode bears share many characteristics with their American black bear relatives. They possess a stocky build, with males typically larger than females, measuring around 150-200 cm in length and weighing between 200-270 kg. Omnivorous in nature, their diet encompasses a wide range of food sources, including berries, nuts, insects, and even carrion, as well as occasional small mammals and fish.
Due to their limited range and unique coloration, the Kermode bear holds significant cultural and ecological importance, and it has become an emblematic species of British Columbia. Their conservation status is currently listed as "special concern," and efforts are being made to protect their habitat and maintain healthy population numbers.
Common Misspellings for KERMODE BEAR
- jermode bear
- mermode bear
- lermode bear
- oermode bear
- iermode bear
- kwrmode bear
- ksrmode bear
- kdrmode bear
- krrmode bear
- k4rmode bear
- k3rmode bear
- keemode bear
- kedmode bear
- kefmode bear
- ketmode bear
- ke5mode bear
- ke4mode bear
- kernode bear
- kerkode bear
- kerjode bear
Etymology of KERMODE BEAR
The term "Kermode bear" is derived from the name of the person who first described this particular subspecies of the black bear, Francis Kermode. Francis Kermode was a mammalogist and director of the Provincial Museum of British Columbia, Canada, from 1950 to 1970. The bear is also referred to as the "spirit bear" or "ghost bear" due to its white or cream-colored fur, which is believed to hold spiritual significance in certain Indigenous cultures of the region.
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