What color is a polar bear's skin?

A polar bear's skin is black beneath its pale-looking fur.

Polar bears live across the Arctic, where dark skin helps absorb solar energy. Their black skin is especially visible on the nose and lips, while the rest of the body is covered by dense underfur and longer guard hairs. A thick layer of body fat beneath the skin provides additional insulation in freezing air and water.

The fur itself is not truly white because it contains white pigment. Polar bear guard hairs are largely transparent and hollow. They scatter and reflect light, making the coat appear white or sometimes yellowish, grayish, or brownish depending on lighting, wear, moisture, and exposure to sunlight. This appearance also provides camouflage against snow and sea ice.

Another common misconception is that the fur alone keeps the animal warm. Polar bears combine several adaptations: black skin for absorbing radiation, hollow insulating hairs, a compact layer of fat, furry feet, and a large body that loses heat relatively slowly. Their paws also help them walk on ice and swim efficiently.