Mystery of the Black Nose

Overview

An animated film based on a Yukaghir folktale. The tale explains why the polar bear has a black nose. Originally, it was completely white and inconspicuous, allowing it to easily sneak up on prey and people, whom it would frighten and steal from. To teach the bear a lesson, hunters set up an ambush, surrounded it with fire, and hit it on the nose with a hot brand. The bear's fur grew back white, but its nose remained black, making it easier to spot. From then on, the bear learned to cover its nose with its paw and avoid people.