That's because polar bear fur is transparent and hollow.When light strikes the outer fur some of it is absorbed while the rest is scattered away. The result? The fur can appear as different colors ...

A polar bear's fur isn't white. "It's sort of translucent," said Stirling. "It reflects light, so it gives the impression of ...

Polar bear fur is not actually white, but rather clear and hollow, the better to insulate them in icy waters and help them stay afloat. When exposed to the sun, these tubular hairs yellow slightly.