Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Spirit Bear

Spirit Bears (aka kermode bear) are endangered too! There are less than 400 alive! Found only in the central and north coast of British Colombia, around Princess Royal Island.
Scientists know how black bears are born white. They're just not sure why. The phenomenon, known as Kermodism, is triggered by a recessive mutation at theMC1R gene, the same gene associated with red hair and fair skin in humans. To be born white, a bear must inherit the mutation from both parents. The parents themselves don't have to be white. They just need to carry the recessive mutation. So it's not uncommon for white bears to be born to black parents.
You must watch the video!!!
This information was found in the video above and Endangered Spirit Bear: National Geograpphic

1 comment: