Rare SPIRIT BEARS in the Great Bear Rainforest | EXPOSED Wildlife Photography | EP 06

Summary

In this immersive episode, Johnny Marriott takes viewers on a thrilling adventure to the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, Canada, in search of the rare and mystical spirit bear. The rainforest, home to diverse wildlife, including the elusive white variant of the black bear, is explored in breathtaking detail. Johnny shares his personal experiences, from a first encounter with a spirit bear to an unforgettable moment with a female bear and her cubs. Amidst the beauty, challenges such as potential threats to the environment highlight the importance of conservation efforts for this unique ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, Canada, is home to the rare spirit bear, a white variant of the black bear, which is found exclusively in this region.
• 😀 The spirit bear's white color comes from a unique recessive gene, making approximately 1 in 10 bears in certain islands of the Great Bear Rainforest white instead of black.
• 😀 Spirit bears are integral to the local ecosystem, which also supports wildlife such as grizzly bears, black bears, coastal wolves, seals, sea lions, and killer whales.
• 😀 The first encounter with a spirit bear was a transformative experience for the narrator, with a memorable two-minute glimpse of the bear captured in a photograph.
• 😀 The narrator has returned to the Great Bear Rainforest multiple times over the years, leading photo tours and hoping for more encounters with spirit bears.
• 😀 A recent trip to the rainforest revealed a female spirit bear with cubs, marking a significant and emotional moment during the narrator's journey.
• 😀 Spirit bears are sometimes born from black mothers, depending on the genetic traits of the parents, illustrating the genetic complexity of this rare species.
• 😀 The narrator witnessed the spirit bear family fishing, playing, eating, and interacting in their natural environment, creating an unforgettable experience.
• 😀 A landmark agreement was reached to protect 85% of the Great Bear Rainforest from industrial logging, though it still allows for potential threats like trophy hunting and marine damage.
• 😀 The narrator advocates for further protection of the Great Bear Rainforest, urging action against future threats like oil tanker traffic that could harm the wildlife and ecosystem, including the spirit bear.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Great Bear Rainforest?

The Great Bear Rainforest is a lush and ecologically rich area in British Columbia, Canada, known for its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, and the rare spirit bear. It spans 74,000 km and is home to wild salmon, which are integral to the survival of the local ecosystem.

What makes the spirit bear so unique?

The spirit bear is a rare white variation of the black bear, caused by a recessive gene. This unique feature is found in about 1 in 10 bears in certain remote islands of the Great Bear Rainforest. The spirit bear is also known for its cultural significance to the local GitGap First Nations.

How does the presence of wild salmon affect the Great Bear Rainforest ecosystem?

Wild salmon are vital to the Great Bear Rainforest ecosystem, as they provide food for a wide range of wildlife, from bears and coastal wolves to seals and killer whales. The annual salmon run sustains the health of the forest and its inhabitants.

What role do the local GitGap First Nations play in the conservation of the spirit bear?

The GitGap First Nations hold cultural knowledge and a deep connection to the spirit bear, known to them as Moxmal. Their traditional stewardship of the land plays a critical role in preserving the habitat of the spirit bear and other wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest.

How did the speaker first encounter the spirit bear?

The speaker first encountered the spirit bear 20 years ago after reading about Charlie Russell's experiences. However, it wasn't until 15 years later that the speaker had a chance to visit the Great Bear Rainforest, where they glimpsed a spirit bear for just two minutes, making it a lasting memory.

What challenges did the speaker face during their first trip to the Great Bear Rainforest?

The speaker and their wife faced torrential rains for a week while waiting along a creek to spot a spirit bear. Despite the difficult conditions, they were able to catch a fleeting glimpse of a spirit bear, which became one of the speaker’s favorite memories.

What makes the second encounter with the spirit bear particularly memorable?

The second encounter with the spirit bear was special because the speaker and their group were able to photograph the same female bear that they had seen years earlier. Despite challenging conditions, the experience of seeing the bear climb trees and feed on crab apples left a lasting impression.

What surprising discovery did the speaker make on their most recent trip?

On their most recent trip, the speaker discovered that the spirit bear had cubs. This revelation, along with witnessing the bear teaching her cubs how to fish, created an unforgettable experience, marking the trip as the most memorable of all their spirit bear encounters.

What environmental concerns are associated with the Great Bear Rainforest?

Despite a significant conservation agreement protecting 85% of the Great Bear Rainforest from industrial logging, there are concerns that the remaining areas are at risk from trophy hunting. Additionally, projects like the Northern Gateway Oil Pipeline could increase oil tanker traffic, posing a threat to the delicate ecosystem.

What is the call to action at the end of the episode?

The call to action encourages viewers to support the continued protection of the Great Bear Rainforest. The speaker urges viewers to take action to convince leaders to protect this vital area from further threats like trophy hunting and oil pipelines.