Polar bears have white fur so that they can camouflage into their environment. Their coat is so well camouflaged in Arctic environments that it can sometimes pass as a snow drift. Interestingly, the polar bear’s coat has no white pigment; in fact, a polar bear’s skin is black and its hairs are hollow. They have a thick layer of body fat, which keeps them warm while swimming, and a double-layered coat that insulates them from the cold Arctic air.
Polar bear paws are ideal for getting around in the Arctic.
They’re huge—as big as dinner plates—and measure up to 30 cm (11.81 in) across. This helps the bears walk on thin ice without falling through.
The polar bear’s super-paws are also designed for swimming. The forepaws act like large paddles and their hind paws serve as rudders.
Black footpads on the bottom of each paw are covered by small, soft bumps known as papillae.
Papillae grip the ice and keep the bear from slipping. Tufts of fur between their toes and footpads help with warmth, as well.
Thick, curved, sharp, and strong—each measures more than 5 cm (1.97 in) long. Polar bears use their claws to catch and hold slippery seal prey and to gain traction on ice.
Credit : Polar Bears International
Picture Credit : Google
