Why Does the Black Nose Trait Help the Polar Bear Adapt to Its Habitat?

The beautiful polar bear lives in a harsh climate of year-round pack ice and snow. Their white fur camouflages them against predators, but the black nose, against all the white of their habitat, can be seen from a great distances during clear weather. The black nose may defeat the polar bear's complete camouflage, but it has purposes that is just as important.

  1. Black Nose

    • The nose of a polar bear absorbs heat from sunlight due to its black color. This helps keep the bear warm in Arctic temperatures.

    Black Skin

    • A polar bear survives freezing temperatures easily.

      Although the fur of the polar bear is white, its skin is actually black all over its body, not just on its nose. The white hairs on the bear's body are hollow, and ultraviolet light can reach the black skin easily. The black skin then absorbs the heat, and the four-inch layer of blubber under the skin traps it. This allows the polar bear to comfortably survive even the coldest of temperatures.

    Camouflage While Hunting

    • Polar bears hunt for seals and other marine animals. Because the black nose prevents complete camouflage, polar bears may cover their nose with their white paw when prey comes near. Another theory states that because the white fur camouflage is so good, the bear's prey may become confused by the presence of a blob of black moving about, thus letting their guard down. The polar bear can then easily attack.

    Sense of Smell

    • The polar bear has a superb sense of smell, useful for finding prey in cold temperatures. It is estimated that a polar bear can smell a seal from 0.6 miles away and 3 feet under snow.