By Anthony Bond


Stunning: Although this looks like it is a polar bear which has somehow found itself in a forest, it is actually an extremely rare 'white' black bear


With its bright white coat and enormous features, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this is a polar bear which has somehow found itself in a forest.

But actually, these incredible pictures show an extremely rare 'white' black bear.

Neither a polar bear nor an albino, this beautifully unique creature is known as the spirit bear, a white variant of the North American black bear.


Extremely rare: The animal, also known as the Kermode bear, lives amongst the dense green forests of British Columbia

Just hanging around: The bear is able to climb into the trees to look for food

The animal, also known as the Kermode bear, lives among the dense green forests of British Columbia.

Once thought to be a myth, these legendary creatures are now so precious to the people of British Columbia, the Government has made it an offence to shoot one - with a fine of up to $100,000 CAD.

Wildlife photographers now travel from across the globe for the chance to capture the white bear on camera, which are virtually impossible to photograph, due to their scarcity.

But one lucky photographer who captured this series of images of the spirit bear in it's natural habitat is Paul Nicklen.

The 43-year-old from Vancouver, Canada, said: 'This little bear is amazing its pure white, it's not a polar bear and there are only 200 left in the world - it's more rare than a panda.


Popular: Wildlife photographers now travel from across the globe for the chance to capture the white bear on camera, which are virtually impossible to photograph, due to their scarcity


Catch of the day: These legendary creatures are now so precious to the people of British Columbia, the Government has made it an offence to shoot one. The bear is pictured here with a large fish for its lunch


Big feed: The bear carries its snack while keeping a watchful eye out

Tasty: The bear tucks into its large catch

'I sat in this forest for two months without ever seeing one and I felt sure I was going to leave empty handed.

'But then after two months of wondering what I was going to do, this incredible big white male came right beside me about three feet away, he grabbed a fish and ate it.

'I then spent my entire day living my childhood dream walking around with this bear through the forest.

'I actually got to sleep within three feet of this bear and photograph him, it was a truly amazing experience.'


Chilling out: Paul Nicklen managed to capture the amazing images of the rare bear, including this one of it relaxing in the forest with a meal


Standing its ground: The spirit bear comes into contact with another forest bear, leading to this fight



source:dailymail