The Arctic is unlike any place on Earth. Still, despite its below-freezing temperatures and seemingly inhospitable climate, many animals have carved out an existence. This landscape is home to a wide array of animals, from large mammals like polar bears to smaller animals, like hares. Let’s learn more about them!
1. Polar Bears: King of the Arctic
Because of their sheer size alone, polar bears are considered the kings of the Arctic. Males can weigh up to 1,500 pounds, and females can weigh up to 400 pounds. They’re also long, measuring six to nine feet from nose to tail.
Don’t let their weight fool you; a polar bear doesn’t sink like a stone in water! Rather, these animals are excellent swimmers, able to cover 37 miles in a single session. They swim and inhabit the areas around Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia.
One of the most distinctive things about polar bears is, of course, their snow-white fur. The outer layer of their fur is transparent, which helps them blend in with their icy surroundings. Underneath that is a thick layer of insulating fur that keeps them warm in the cold weather. And finally, their skin is black, which helps them absorb heat from the sun.
As for their diet, polar bears mostly eat seals. They’ll also eat fish, birds, and vegetation if they can find it. Climate change has not been kind to the polar bear. Melting ice caps, along with rising global temperatures, have brought these cuties to the brink of extinction. Research shows that not only are polar bear numbers dwindling, but they’re starting to breed with equally aggressive grizzly bears, creating a new animal: the pizzly.
2. Arctic Fox: AKA “the Snow Fox”
The Arctic fox is a small member of the fox family, native to the Arctic regions in the Northern Hemisphere. They are well-adapted to life in cold climates, with double coats that insulate them against the cold. Another unique adaptation is their furry feet, which act as built-in snowshoes. Arctic foxes are also experts at finding food, using their sharp senses to locate lemming burrows and other small prey.
Although they are currently not listed as endangered, Arctic fox populations have declined in some areas due to persecution by humans and habitat loss. However, these tough little creatures have proved time and time again that they can withstand even the harshest conditions.
3. Reindeer: More Than Santa’s Helpers
Reindeer have another name: caribou. These magnificent creatures are a large deer found in North America, Europe, and Asia. There are four main subspecies of caribou, and they range in size from the smallest, the woodland caribou, to the largest, the boreal caribou. Caribou are well-adapted to cold climates and can be found in the Arctic tundra, as well as some mountainous regions.
They have large hooves that help them travel across the snow-covered ground, and like other Arctic creatures, their coat is thick and insulated, allowing them to stay warm. Caribou are an important source of food for both people and some apex predators, and their populations are carefully monitored by wildlife officials.
In recent years, caribou populations have declined due to habitat loss and hunting pressure, making them a threatened species. However, with proper management and conservation efforts, caribou will hopefully continue to thrive in the wild.
4. Arctic Hares: Faster Than Your Average Rabbit
The Arctic hare is a remarkable creature, well-adapted to life in the coldest parts of the world. Unlike domestic rabbits, the Arctic hare has thick fur that is white in color, providing excellent camouflage against the snow. The hare’s feet are also furry and covered in pads, which help to insulate against the cold ground and prevent slipping on ice. They can run a whopping 40 miles an hour, making them pretty fast in the animal kingdom.
In addition, the Arctic hare has shorter ears than other rabbits, which helps to reduce heat loss. These adaptations enable the Arctic hare to live in areas where the temperature can dip as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to its remote habitat, the Arctic hare is not often seen by humans. However, this shy creature can be a rewarding sight for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it in the wild.
Animals in the Arctic Need Our Help
With pollution, climate change, and deforestation, it’s a sad reality that these animals face losing their habitat. As a result, these animals will need to increasingly rely on humanitarian assistance to survive.
Fortunately, there are many organizations, including many reputable zoos and sanctuaries, that are working to protect and conserve Arctic wildlife. By supporting these groups, we can help these amazing creatures remain a part of our planet for generations to come.
