# Silver-colored bear cub sighting in Katmai National Park

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/silver-colored-bear-cub-sighting-in-katmai-national-park
> Updated: 2026-08-12T22:39:54.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

A silver-colored brown bear cub was recorded by cameras in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, sparking online speculation that the animal might be a hybrid between a grizzly and a polar bear, often referred to as a ‘pizzly’ or ‘grolar’ bear.

Wildlife officials and naturalists have addressed these claims, stating that such a hybrid is unlikely. National Park Service spokesperson Gordon Clagget noted that the cub’s mother is a brown bear and suggested the unusual coloration is likely due to genetics, observing that some bears in the Brooks River area possess very blonde fur. Naturalist Mike Fitz added that the park is located too far south of current polar bear ranges for cross-breeding to occur, and noted the cub does not show signs of albinism or leucism, suggesting the color is part of the natural variation found in the region’s brown bear population.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Katmai National Park officials address viral silvery bear cub

Wildlife officials say a silvery-furred cub spotted in Katmai National Park is likely a brown bear with unique genetics rather than a polar bear hybrid.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/katmai-national-park-officials-address-viral-silvery-bear-cub

### 2026-08-05: Silver-colored bear cub spotted in Alaska's Katmai National Park

A silver‑gray bear cub was filmed in Alaska's Katmai National Park; officials say its coat is genetic, not a hybrid, and note predation risks amid high bear density near the Brooks River.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/silver-colored-bear-cub-spotted-in-alaskas-katmai-national-park

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Cite as: Silver-colored bear cub sighting in Katmai National Park. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/silver-colored-bear-cub-sighting-in-katmai-national-park