CALGARY -- Visitors to Banff National Park have been treated to a rare sight recently – a white grizzly bear.
Bruce Pike spotted the bruin while out mountain biking. A more than one minute long video shared with CTV Calgary shows the bear foraging near railroad tracks.
Some locals have given the bear the name of Nakoda.
The sub-adult grizzly and its sibling are known to Parks Canada and have been spending their time between Banff and Yoho national parks.
"The unique white colour of the grizzly is believed to be caused by a natural colour phase variation," Parks Canada said in an emailed statement.
"This colour phase variation is unusual for grizzly bears but has been seen before. Grizzly bears are typically brown, black or blond, however there have been records of grizzly bears with a white colour phase variation."
The grizzlies are believed to be about 3.5 years old and Parks Canada says this will be their second year away from their mother.
Parks Canada says people should only observe wildlife from a distance.
"If you see wildlife near the highway, do not stop. When visitors see wildlife in other areas they should consider not stopping or, if safe to stop, always stay in their vehicles and give the animal space," read a statement.
"Bears and other wildlife that become comfortable around people and roadsides are at greater risk of being struck by a vehicle."
Feeding wildlife is not allowed in any national park.
