Color phase bears…post ‘em if ya got ‘em

[Rogue Bay]

Sorry if this thread has already been covered, but I thought it would be cool to see the different variations in black bear color phases out there. Unfortunately I don’t have photos of some of the coolest bears I’ve personally seen.

The prettiest bear I’ve ever seen was a medium sized chocolate of sorts. He was the color of hot chocolate on his legs/belly and gradually became paler higher up on his body. His back and the top of his hams were the color of the foam of a cup of hot chocolate. There was no obvious color break, just a gradual fade. I saw this bear twice but not in my effective range either time.

Another time I saw a smallish medium brown phase that was covered over the entire body with blonde tipped guard hairs, even the face. It almost looked disheveled, like it just rolled out of bed.

I’ve only seen two blonde bears, one of which I could have shot (always been my dream bear) but this little guy probably wasn’t much over 80 pounds. Had him at 35 yards!

I’ve taken a lot of color phase bears of various shades of brown and reddish. The photo below is probably the prettiest bear I’ve taken but the photo doesn’t do him justice. He was a golden cinnamon color but dulled out and darkened somewhat in the photo.

What have you all seen and/or harvested?

 

[Nick Muche]

I’ve taken several over the years but none have been as pretty as this one. Took me two years to finally trick him after many days of trying. Bears of this color are very uncommon in Interior Alaska where I hunt.

 

[Osprey87]

Been after this guy for 2 years after first seeing him, busted me with 1 more tree to get around for and easy 50 yard shot

 

[Rogue Bay]

I’ve taken several over the years but none have been as pretty as this one. Took me two years to finally trick him after many days of trying. Bears of this color are very uncommon in Interior Alaska where I hunt. View attachment 411852

That’s a beautiful bear! I’d say that’s a pretty rare color anywhere lol. Congrats and thanks for sharing!

 

[Rogue Bay]

Been after this guy for 2 years after first seeing him, busted me with 1 more tree to get around for and easy 50 yard shot

That’s the stuff dreams are made of right there. Big bear and incredible color. I love the red/blonde combo. I hope you get him and please post pics when you do! Thanks for sharing him with us.

 

[Rogue Bay]

Been after this guy for 2 years after first seeing him, busted me with 1 more tree to get around for and easy 50 yard shot

In that frontal shot it looks like he has a lot of white on his chest and maybe down his right leg? Or am I imagining that?

 

[Osprey87]

In that frontal shot it looks like he has a lot of white on his chest and maybe down his right leg? Or am I imagining that?

That patch is really blonde, it was the way the light was hitting the bear in the evening

 

[Bigfeet]

This is a smaller bear, but was with my wife (in the photo), when we found this guy. It was a unique opportunity to take a bear whose color is the same as her hair. I have come across a few of this color phase in the same area of the Rocky Mountains over the years.

 

[jhm2023]

One of the nicer looking color phase bears I've taken. I thought the black around the eyes was interesting.

 

[Dirtbag]

Colorado. Father shot the top bear with a muzzleloader. Bottom I got with a bow probably 10 years later, killed within a quarter mile of each other.

 

[JohnnyB]

Old boar with a big noggin

 

[Elkhntr08]

Old boar with a big noggin

Did you happen to have him measured?

 

[JohnnyB]

Did you happen to have him measured?

Yes, 19 3/4 skull, 6 foot 6 squared

 

[Elkhntr08]

Nice! Congratulations.

 

[Rogue Bay]

This is a smaller bear, but was with my wife (in the photo), when we found this guy. It was a unique opportunity to take a bear whose color is the same as her hair. I have come across a few of this color phase in the same area of the Rocky Mountains over the years.

Wow! Incredible color! A nice blonde (bear) has always been my biggest hunting goal. I live on the coast now so I’m afraid that ship has sailed for me. I hope you had that beauty rugged!

 

[Rogue Bay]

One of the nicer looking color phase bears I've taken. I thought the black around the eyes was interesting.

Very cool! And having you daughter there for it is awesome!

 

[Rogue Bay]

Old boar with a big noggin

That’s a stud bear! I’ve seen a few similar to that but not with that much blonde.

 

[Rogue Bay]

View attachment 412180

View attachment 412181

Colorado. Father shot the top bear with a muzzleloader. Bottom I got with a bow probably 10 years later, killed within a quarter mile of each other.

Great bears! Very cool you harvested them so close together.

 

[Steve O]

7’ square Chocolate from Manitoba.

 

[Rogue Bay]

There

View attachment 412305

7’ square Chocolate from Manitoba.

something special about big bears, especially big color phase bears! Congrats on a stud!