Polar bears are often rumored to have bright blue skin, supposedly aiding camouflage in icy waters. This myth lacks scientific basis. In reality, their skin is black, enabling them to absorb heat from the sun—a critical survival trait in the harsh Arctic. 

The fur that appears white is actually transparent, scattering light and blending them seamlessly with their snowy surroundings. 

This synergy of black skin and translucent fur maximizes insulation and camouflage, helping polar bears retain warmth and remain stealthy hunters on ice. 

The confusion likely arose from underwater photographs and artwork that reflected Arctic blues onto the bear’s fur, leading to the erroneous belief. 

Recognizing the true biology of polar bears highlights a remarkable evolutionary strategy: black skin for effective heat absorption and fur that scatters light for camouflage. 

Rather than a mythical blue hue, polar bears exhibit a far more fascinating adaptation shaped by their extreme environment.