Photographer Lisa Adler shared the incredible photos of a special bear nicknamed "Strawberry." She spotted the elusive bear on Gribbell Island, Canada. When she came face to face with this rare animal, she was totally amazed. 

The blonde bear, weighing about 250 pounds, has pale brown fur with reddish tints. She is neither a polar bear nor a brown bear, but belongs to a rare subspecies of American black bear, called Kermode bear. Most Kermode bears are black, just like other subspecies. There are 100 to 500 fully white individuals, making up 10 to 20 percent of the Kermode population. Due to their beautiful white fur, they got the name "Spirit bear" and hold a prominent place in local traditions and legends. 

Spirit bears are not albinos. Their light fur is a result of mutant gene. The unusual appearance may be beneficial as white fur is harder to spot underwater than black fur. It helps Spirit bears catch more salmon than their dark-furred cousins. 

(Cover image is via CFP)

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