What Color is Polar Bear Fur?
The Basics of Polar Bear Fur
Polar bears are so iconic, it’s hard to imagine them being anything other than white. After all, white is a color that’s most associated with the Arctic, where polar bears live. But, what color is polar bear fur? Believe it or not, polar bear fur is not actually white - it’s transparent!
So, How Does the Fur Look White?
So, if polar bear fur isn’t white, how does it look white? Well, it all has to do with the way the fur reflects light. Polar bear fur is actually made up of two layers: a thick, dense undercoat and long, transparent guard hairs. The guard hairs are hollow and have a thick layer of air that reflects and scatters the sunlight, making it appear white.
The Benefits of Transparent Fur
Polar bears’ transparent fur helps them stay warm in their icy environment in several ways. The air pockets inside the guard hairs help to insulate the bear and keep its body heat in. The transparency of the fur also helps them blend in with the snow and ice, making them less visible to their prey.
The Color of Polar Bears
Although the fur of polar bears looks white, the skin underneath it is actually black. This helps the bear absorb heat, which it needs to stay warm. The black skin is covered by a layer of fur, which helps to insulate the bear and keep it warm.
Polar Bears Through the Seasons
Although polar bears have white fur all year round, their coat does change slightly throughout the seasons. During the warm summer months, their fur will become thinner, allowing them to cool down. In the winter, their fur will thicken up to help keep them warm.