Albinos Abound!

Published Nov 5, 2009 2:18 AM EST

From Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: This bear was captured by our Bear Management Specialist near Olney, northwest of Kalispell after it got into trouble. They were surprised to find they had an albino black bear, about 4 years old and 150 pounds. Albinos have very poor eyesight and tend to not live as long as a result. However, there have been several albino black bears shot within 30 miles of here and there was an albino bear reported in Columbia Falls earlier this year. As you can see in the photos, this bear was generally covering its eyes from the light but it has no pigmentation with pink eyes and skin. It was released in Glacier Park where hopefully it will stay out of trouble and would be protected from hunting.