As such, both parents must carry a copy of the mutated gene in order for a white cub to be born. Genetic studies have revealed that the white coat colouration of spirit bears is recessive to black-coated individuals. ![]() This means that they can interbreed with black-coated black bears. americanus kermodei subspecies, not a separate species or subspecies themselves. Notably, spirit bears are a unique colour phase of the U. This is the same gene that controls for red hair in humans and blond coats in Labrador retrievers. Their unique colouration is caused by a rare variation at the Mc1r gene (melanocortin 1 receptor), which is involved in melanin production, or the pigment responsible for skin, hair and eye colour. However, they are not albinos and as a result have dark eyes and noses similar to black-coated black bears. ![]() ![]() Their entire coat is white, from the roots to the tips of their hair. ![]() Spirit bears are rare white- or cream-coated black bears whose colouration is caused by a genetic trait that is uncommon within coastal black bears. A spirit bear in British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest.
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