Polar bears have several adaptations that help them survive in Arctic conditions, including transparent white fur that camouflages them in snow, black skin that absorbs heat from the sun, broad paws that spread their weight on ice and aid swimming, curved claws for digging in ice, small ears and tails to minimize heat loss, and a thick layer of fat that insulates them. They are skilled hunters both on land and sea, patiently waiting at seal breathing holes and swimming to ambush seals in the water, and will also eat birds, small whales, walruses, and scavenge dead animals. Polar bears play an important role in the Arctic ecosystem.