A rare sighting in the Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains in British Columbia, Canada, has wildlife enthusiasts buzzing.
Arthur De Jong, an environmental planning manager passionate about wildlife, recently captured a heartwarming moment of a 5-month-old cream-colored bear cub playing with his black mother bear.
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The mother and cub played together, sparking curiosity among scientists and onlookers alike.
There is an ongoing debate among experts about whether this cub might be albino, a spirit bear, or simply displaying a unique genetic mutation affecting fur pigmentation.
Until further analysis is conducted, mainly to check if the cub’s eyes are pink, typical of albinism, the cub’s exact classification remains uncertain.
However, the baby bear’s fur has a distinct light caramel sheen, suggesting it might not be a typical albino.
De Jong mentioned he had consulted with bear experts about the unusual coloration. Their consensus was that the cub’s color likely stems from recessive genes from both parents.
The playful cub, who has been affectionately named Pukaloosh by onlookers, was seen frolicking with his mother, wsometimesmes had to hold him to curb his mischief.
Michael Allen, known as the “Whistler bear expert,” shared that in his 23-year career, this was the first time he had encountered a white bear cub in the region.
Typically, cubs follow their mothers for one or two years, indicating that Pukaloosh will likely stay close to his mother for some time.
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