Ghost of the Rainforest

The Spirit Bear or Ghost Bear is considered the rarest bear in the world, found only in the temperate rainforest along the west coast of Northern British Columbia, Canada. Biologist are not sure how many exist, but estimates are around 150 - 400. They are not albino, but the white coat is caused by a double recessive gene of the Kermode Black Bear. It took our photo expedition with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society several days exploring rainforest islands to find this Spirit bear with native Gitga'at (First Nation) guides.You must explore by boat. I chose black and white for this image as it accentuates the ghost-like appearance of the bear in the forest.