Polar bears possess a remarkable natural ability: their fur does not allow ice to accumulate. This phenomenon, long recognized by Indigenous Arctic communities, has recently gained scientific attention. Researchers from the University of Bergen in Norway have established that the unique ice-repelling quality of polar bear fur stems from natural oils secreted on the hair, rather than the characteristics of the fur itself.
Physicist Bodil Holst initiated her research after observing in a quiz program that polar bears are barely detectable on infrared cameras due to their exceptional insulation. This led her to question why their fur does not ice up, even after extensive exposure to freezing waters—a common issue for other land mammals in frigid climates.
To explore this further, Holst collaborated with researchers from the Norwegian Polar Institute. They obtained polar bear fur samples from Svalbard and compared them to human hair. The results showed that polar bear hair required significantly less force to remove ice, allowing bears to easily shake off any accumulation. Washing the fur eliminated its ice-resistant properties, indicating that the protective oil, known as sebum, plays a critical role.
Interestingly, the study revealed that polar bear sebum differs from that of other mammals, particularly by lacking squalene, commonly found in aquatic species. It also contains unique fatty acids that may be exclusive to polar bears, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Indigenous Arctic peoples, such as the Inuit, have historically utilized polar bear fur for its ice-repelling characteristics, employing techniques that preserve its oily coating. For instance, Greenlandic hunters have used polar bear fur under their stools to prevent sticking to ice and as attachments to their boots to minimize noise while pursuing prey.
Holst’s research team is now investigating practical applications of these findings, including the development of eco-friendly ski waxes that replace harmful fluorocarbon compounds currently used. Additionally, a hair wax formulated from polar bear sebum may offer benefits for individuals working in harsh, cold environments, opening new avenues for innovation.
