'Coastal Spirit' / The legend of the spirit bears that roam the shadowy rainforests of the Pacific has been passed down through the Gitga’at and Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nations for generations. The bears thrive on the wild salmon flooding the streams in their seasonal migrations. I followed this wandering spirit until she settled deep in the forest, glowing like a pale moon against a mossy sea. The spirit bear’s sacred status among tribe members has kept her and her kin safe from hunting for many years. Thanks to the fearless advocacy of First Nation stewards and community leaders like @douglas_neasloss and @gitgaatspirit, the region's black bears, who often carry the recessive spirit bear gene, can no longer be hunted. Like the First Nations, spirit bears have roamed beneath the pine canopies of the Great Bear Rainforest long before Canada got its name. They are more than deserving of our respect and protection. To inquire about the piece behind this video or view my entire catalog, please use the link in my bio or visit paulnicklen.com. #spiritbear #canada #greatbearrainforest #fineart #fineartphotography #blackbear #explore #explorepage