@mitty

Wonderful News for North America’s Spirit Bears!! The Kitasoo Xai’xais and Gitga’at First Nations have officially succeeded in banning the hunting of all black bears within the Great Bear Rainforest! The black bears that roam the islands and coastal forests of the region carry the special, recessive gene that produces spirit bears, one of the rarest animals in the world. @Douglas_Neasloss, Chief councilor and stewardship director of Klemtu within the Kitasoo/Xai'xais Nation, informed us of the victory just last night after a joint proposal was submitted by each nation. While the fight to defend BC’s ancient forests is far from over, this triumph for both First Nations and our planet stands as a testimony to the power of collaboration across cultures. @PaulNicklen and I have had the incredible honor of photographing these elusive forest spirits under the guidance of Douglas Neasloss and Marven Robinson @gitgaatspirit. I cannot tell you how grateful and thrilled I am to know that these beautiful animals may continue to thrive for years to come. #spiritbear #firstnations #greatbearrainforest #hope