About Arctic Animals
According to Sasks Schools, the arctic region is the most northern point on the planet, beginning at the north pole and ending at the Arctic Circle. Contrary to the connotation of "arctic," this vast region is more than snow and freezing water. It also boasts low hills and rocky, mountainous terrain, flat plains, lakes, rivers, trees and plant life. The arctic is also home to abundant wildlife, some of which can only be found in this cold and rugged world. Populated with birds, mammals, sea mammals and sea life, the arctic is one of the most fascinating and varied places on Earth.
Polar Bear
The largest known bears, polar bears are nomadic sea mammals that inhabit the arctic regions of Greenland, Alaska and Canada. They have thick, white coats which provide them camouflage against the stark, white snow. During the winter months, they spend most of their time in the water or on the surrounding pack ice where they can hunt seals and fish. In summer and autumn, they migrate ashore to feed on berries, plants, birds, dead whales and walruses, and small mammals. By November, the polar bears are ready for a long rest; they move into caves carved out of snow. The males may emerge at any time to wander about; the females will remain until spring and will then exit with one or two polar bear cubs in tow.
Arctic Fox
Arctic foxes are keen, predatory mammals that dwell primarily in the Arctic Circle (northern Alaska and Russia, Iceland and the Greenland coast). In the summer months, these cat-sized creatures sport grayish-brown fur that in winter turns into a thick, white coat which camouflages them from hungry polar bears. During the winter months, arctic foxes will actually trail polar bears--albeit very carefully--hoping to feed on the giant bears' leftovers. In addition, arctic foxes feast on birds and bird eggs, fish, voles, lemmings, squirrels, voles and berries.
Arctic Hare
Arctic hares, the largest hares in North America, live in large herds among the rocks and hillsides of Canada, Greenland and the Arctic islands. They have thick coats that range from brown to white, depending on the time of year and where they are living. Their large feet enable them to maneuver across the snow and rough mountainous terrain. They are extremely cooperative with each other; the hares take turns standing guard so others can eat and rest, and they huddle together in tunnels, under bushes and behind rocks for protection and warmth. Arctic hares enjoy munching on willow twigs, leaves, bark, seaweed, buds, berries, roots, lichens and mosses.
Walrus
A close relative of the seal and sea lion, walruses are giant sea mammals that typically inhabit the Arctic waters and surrounding ice, coastline and beaches. They have thick, brown skin covered with barely visible brown hair, sharp ivory tusks for hunting and defense, and strong front and hind flippers that enable them to dive up to 300 feet underwater to feed upon clams, octopus, fish and mussels. These loud, bellowing creatures live in close-knit herds that often number more than 1,000 members.
Snowy Owl
Snowy owls live solely in the arctic, nesting and laying their eggs in the tundra in small holes lined with feathers and moss. Like many arctic animals, snowy owls change color depending on the season. In summer, they are brown with darker spots and stripes, and in the winter months they are snowy white. These color changes allow them to stealthily hunt mice, lemmings, squirrels, hares and small birds.
Muskox
Muskox are large land mammals with long, thick, brown wool and sharp, curved horns that occupy the arctic islands, Norway, Russia, Greenland and Alaska. They get their name from the incredibly strong, musky odor given off by their urine, especially during mating season. They are extremely social, living in herds of 10 to 20 members. When threatened by a predator, primarily wolves, the adults form a circle around their young and turn to face their enemy, snorting with irritation and charging if necessary. Muskox are herbivores, typically feeding on willows, grasses and lichens.
Tufted Puffin
Tufted puffins are small, dark birds with colorful heads and bright orange beaks. They live in giant colonies in the rocky cliffs and islands of the North Pacific waters. According to the Arctic Studies Center, the largest known colony, on Talan Island, has more than 1 million nests. Tufted puffins breed and hatch their chicks in underground nests, where the chicks remain 24 hours a day until they are able to fly. To catch the tiny fish they eat and feed to their young, these pigeon-size birds dive into the sea and use their wings to "fly" under the water, chasing and gathering their prey.
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