The new talk of the town in Whistler is about five months old, has four paws, and walks around in a rare white coat.
Both local and international bear experts are highly intrigued and equally excited about the recent discovery of a white bear cub in Whistler’s mountains.
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In Whistler Blackcomb’s recent Bear Report, expert Michael Allen says the discovery is the first he’s seen in 23 years.
“After 23 years of research, I have seen cubs ranging black, reddish brown, chocolate brown to blonde (after summer bleaching of coat) but, never have seen in this population, a cub with pelage this light to almost white. “
Blackcomb’s Kathy Jenkins was the first to spot the “white-ish” cub with its mother, a resident black bear, during an evening tour.
Meet Whistler’s newest celebrity! A rare white bear cub was spotted on Blackcomb this week. pic.twitter.com/GNvfOvSAif
— Carleton Lodge (@carletonlodge) June 12, 2016
“This is not an albino but rather, the cub is possibly a result of both parents having a recessive gene” adds Allen.
Featured photo: Kathy Jenkins / Whistler Blackcomb
