Silver-colored bear cub spotted in Alaska's Katmai National Park

Cameras in Katmai National Park on Alaska's southern coast recorded a young brown bear with an unusual silver‑gray coat. Park rangers identified the animal as a normal brown bear (Ursus arctos) whose coloration is attributed to genetics, dismissing speculation that it might be a polar‑grizzly hybrid (pizzly). Sarah Bruce, a park ranger, noted that Katmai lies far too far south for polar bears to wander in, and no evidence exists of such long‑distance travel.

Researchers said the cub faces natural risks, including predation by adult bears, especially given the high density of bears congregating near the Brooks River during salmon runs. The unusually large salmon migration last year boosted bear numbers, but a more average run this year has intensified competition for food.

The observation highlights the diverse coat colors found among Katmai's bear population and underscores ongoing monitoring efforts using remote cameras.