Why do Polar bears have white Fur?
Due to the harsh Arctic cold to which the polar bear is exposed, it has adapted several unique traits which enable it to thrive in territory that would be uninhabitable for many other members of the ursine family. In addition to rugged, webbed paws for swimming in freezing water and sharp, almost carnivorous teeth ideal for ripping up seal, the King of the Arctic has one lesser known, but equally important trait that has helped it to survive in frozen wilderness of the arctic circle; although it is most commonly believed that Polar bears have adopted white fur as a way of remaining hidden from their prey, this is but a helpful side affect of the original reason for the Polar bears white colouring. Underneath the white fur, polar bears have a skin tone that is dark black. This darkened skin is ideal for absorbing and retaining the heat so crucial to survival in the bitter sub zero arctic circle. Proving just how well suited this arctic giant is to its habitat, scientists have discovered that the Keratin protein found in the fur of polar bears absorbs heat from the sun that can then be transferred into the black skin of the bear. It has also been discovered that Polar bear hair absorbs infrared light, which means that during the night ,when temperatures are lowered significantly, the endothermic (warm blooded) polar bear can continue to absorb heat to keep it warm. This trait is also found in humans, however, due to the higher concentration of hair per square centimetre found on Polar bears, they are able to retain 4% more heat than we are, this statistic coupled with an entire body covered in hair makes the bear very well equipped for its surroundings. Surprisingly, this white fur, is not actually white. Rather, the fur is clear, enabling it to better refract light onto the skin of the animal. This amazing fur, capable of keeping the bear warm and hidden throughout the winter has made the Polar Bear a truly fascinating creature.
Comprised of a coarse outer guard fur and a soft inner layer, the Polar bear fur is such a good insulator of heat that it is virtually undetectable to infrared cameras!
Comprised of a coarse outer guard fur and a soft inner layer, the Polar bear fur is such a good insulator of heat that it is virtually undetectable to infrared cameras!