Long hairs growing between pads and toes also help prevent slippage. A polar bear's head is oblong and relatively small compared to body size. The nose is broad and black. Polar bears have 42 teeth, which they use for catching food and for aggressive behaviour. Polar bears use their incisors to shear off pieces of blubber and flesh.
Canine teeth grasp prey and tear tough hides.
Jagged premolars and molars tear and chew. Polar bears swallow most food in large chunks rather than chewing. A polar bear's eyes are dark brown, set relatively close together, and look forward. The ears are small and rounded, and lay flat when under water. Polar bears are completely furred except for the nose and foot pads, which are black.