Why does a polar bear’s hair turn green?

A STAFF REPORT FROM THE STRAIGHT DOPE SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD

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Dear Straight Dope: So, SDSTAFF Jill, why DID those polar bears turn green? Algae? Verdigris? Being forced to eat Circus Peanut candy? Ken

Terey replies:

Jill is apparently too lah-di-dah to answer your question, so I will. It is algae, because a polar bear’s hairs are hollow and clear (not white). Algae can grow in there, and cause the green tint. Not saying this applies to humans, but if you were thinking about waiting a day to wash your hair, my advice is, don’t.

Terey

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