Seen polar bears before

As he struggled to his feet, he caught sight of something pounding
towards him. It was massive, white like the snow, almost invisible. If not
for its dark eyes he would have missed it until it was upon him. He had seen
polar bears before, but even if he hadn’t, he would have known this beast
instantly. In the wastelands of the north, what else could it be?

Larten tore his shirt open, dropped the startled baby and leapt forward.
The bear was female, not as large as some he’d seen, but still taller than
Larten when erect.

***

The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Palace of the Damned, Chapter 1