Why is a polar bear white?
For grown-ups: the science
It blends into the snow and ice, and its hair scatters light, so it looks white.
A polar bear's fur has very little pigment — the clear to translucent hairs scatter light, which is why they look white. Each hair is nearly hollow, which also helps with insulation. The skin underneath is black and is thought to help absorb sunlight, though the main source of warmth is a thick layer of fat and dense fur. Scientists think the white coat also helps the bear stay hidden in snow and ice, making hunting easier.
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Transcript
A polar bear is walking across the snow and ice — why does it look so white?
On the snow and ice of the Arctic, a white body blends right in. That way, the bear can sneak up close to seals without being noticed.
But if you look closely at just one hair, it isn't actually white at all. Light passing through the hair scatters every which way, making it look white.
Underneath the fur, the skin is black, which helps soak up sunlight. The thick fur and fat also keep the bear's body heat from escaping.
So a polar bear looks white because it helps it hide in the snow and stay warm in the cold.