Meet Taan - Haida Gwaii’s Black Bear

Taan Haida Gwaii Black Bear

Haida Gwaii is known worldwide as the "Galapagos of the North," a magical place where Haida people have lived since time immemorial.

Amidst the isolated wild shorelines, lush rainforests and sandy beaches, our island archipelago is home to various unique flora and fauna. In particular, one animal local to Haida Gwaii is North America's largest subspecies of black bear, known as "taan" in the local dialect.

Amidst the isolated wild shorelines, lush rainforests and sandy beaches, our island archipelago is home to various unique flora and fauna. In particular, one animal local to Haida Gwaii is North America's largest subspecies of black bears, known as "taan" in the local dialect.
This magnificent black bear thrives on a nutrient-rich diet by feasting on plants and animals of the forest and intertidal zones. Over time, taan developed enormous jaws and teeth, enabling them to quickly eat whole crabs and barnacles while foraging on the beach. They are also fundamental in developing Haida Gwaii's forests by facilitating a vital role in its unique ecosystem. The bears habitually transport salmon remains into the surrounding woods, which ultimately become rich fertilizer for the Island's lush vegetation.

TAAN MYTHOLOGY

In Haida mythology, the bears are considered family. There is an old legend called “Bear Mother” or “Taan AwGa”. One day a young woman was picking berries but found that the bears had eaten most of them. She became angry and blamed the bears for her unfortunate luck. The bears had heard her; they became agitated and stole her away. At first, the young woman had missed her family and village. She found solace in the bear village, married the bear father and had two bear cubs. Years later, the woman returned to her village to teach the people to respect the bears.