What do you think of when you think of polar bears? Most people picture the magnificent animal with the long, thick, white fur that provides perfect camouflage in the Arctic tundra. However, here is a little revelation that always seems to surprise people: polar bears do not have white skin. They have black skin. Let’s explore why that is, and what it’s used for in the wild.

Why Do They Look White?

Polar bears appear white because their fur is translucent (not white), and the visible light is reflected. Each shaft of hair is hallow, which means that it scatters light in a manner that makes the bear look white against snow and ice. This serves as an advantage, and keeps the bear camouflaged from seals and other prey.

What Color Is Polar Bears Skin?

Answer: Black. Sounds odd, but stay with us.

Polar bears actually have black skin beneath thier thick coat of transclucent hollow fur. While it might seem strange, this is actually a very clever adaptation.

Why Do Polar Bears Have Black Skin?

Black skin helps with heat absorption, and here’s how:

• Black light absorbs more sunlight than lighter colors.
• Since polar bears are translucent – sunlight can penetrate the hollow fur and reach the black skin underneath.
• The black skin takes in and retains sunlight, enabling the bear to stay warm in extreme, cold climates.

In the very cold Arctic conditions and temperatures that can dip to -40 °C (-40 °F), this trait is critical for the bear.

Is the Fur Really Translucent?

Indeed! From a microscopic view, polar bear fur is clear and hollow, which:

• Helps diffuse light (makes it seem white)
• Provides insulation (with air trapped inside for insulation)
• Channels sunlight to skin.

More Amazing Polar Bear Facts:

• Their tongues are bluish (or purplish).
• The polar bears paws are rough to grip ice.
• Their size is deceiving; polar bears are incredible swimmers and can swim for hours!
• Newborn polar bear cubs are born practically hairless, about the size of a guinea pig!

Conclusion

The next time you hear someone ask you, “What colour is a polar bear’s skin?” — you’ll know the shocking answer: It’s black!

This is yet another amazing trait that showcases how well polar bears have adapted as an animal, along with clear hair and their powerful body, which combine to show that polar bears are some of the most uniquely adapted animals on the planet!

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