doug -
First the facts. Polar bear fur appears white because it reflects all wavelengths of visible light. However, polar bear fur does not reflect ultraviolet (UV) light, but absorbs it so well that the animal appears black when photographed with UV-sensitive film. Refer to fly line color thread if fish really see color. Talk to Al or Greg on that. Add to these facts the observations that the hairs of polar bears are hollow and that polar bear skin is black, and a tantalizing speculation can be posited: polar bears channel ultraviolet light through their hollow hairs to their black skin thereby warming the animal in the Arctic cold. The efficiency is such that no UV light is lost to the environment – polar bear hair thus possesses superior fiber optic properties.
Enough of the scientific facts. Polar bear is indeed illegal to hunt and tan. There is a tribe of Eskimos in Canada or Alaska that can legally hunt them. Most of this goes for food and winter protection. Most of the stuff that is sold as genuine polar bear hair comes from yard sales and old taxidermist mounts. People get a hold of these old skins and dye them various colors. I've bought some and I was not impressed with the quality, amount and the cost. It's too bad zoo's who loose animals could sell their pelts and generate some funds for their concerns.
Try this number 1 - 800 347-4654 Spokane, Washington. There are synthetics that closely resemble the hair.
RS
