Preventative Care@3x

Animals Around the Globe: Fascinating Animals of the Arctic

May 19, 2023 | All About Animals, Animals Around the Globe

 

An Introduction to the Arctic Wildlife

Arctic wildlife is some of the most fascinating on the planet. Each of these animals of the Arctic has unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in one of the harshest climates in the world. From the freezing waters, to the beautiful, icy tundra, the Arctic is a huge expanse of sea and land that’s full of all different kinds of life.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the incredible Arctic wildlife that calls this region home and learn a little more about Arctic animal behavior, characteristics, and quirks.

 

The Polar Bear

The Polar Bear is perhaps the most fascinating of the polar animals, which is fitting considering its name! Known for their snowy white coat and extraordinary size, these apex predators have perfectly adapted to life in the Arctic thanks to a thick layer of blubber keeping them warm (no shame!) and massive paws to help with swimming. Despite their build, they’re known to be pretty agile creatures great at hunting seals by stalking them from underneath the ice.

The Arctic Fox

The Cutest Animal of the Arctic Award goes to the Arctic fox! They’re small and nimble predators and are perfectly adapted to life in this frozen environment thanks to their compact size and thick fur, helping them conserve heat. Their sharp senses and keen instincts make them incredible hunters, and their ability to change their fur color allows them to blend in with their surroundings to avoid detection. 

 

The Snowy Owl

Wise and majestic, the snowy owl is a bird of prey that has marvelously adapted to Arctic life. They are known mostly for their distinctive hoot, which one can hear echoing across the tundra on a quiet night. Their snowy white feathers help them blend in with their surrounding landscape, and their sharp talons and incredible eyesight make them formidable hunters. 

 

The Walrus

You’ll most often find this polar animal in or near the icy water throughout the Arctic region. The walrus is a massive marine animal known for their prominent tusks, which they use to break through the ice and defend itself against predators. Contrary to their intimidating features, they’re incredibly social animals, often seen basking under the sun on sheets of ice and in large groups. 

The Beluga Whale

Another fascinating marine mammal found exclusively in the freezing waters of the Arctic is the beautiful beluga whale. These magnificent creatures are small and agile. They’re known for their distinctive white skin as well as their charming vocalizations, often referred to as chirping. With this trait, it will come as no surprise that the beluga is also one of the more social animals of the Arctic, and you can find them swimming in large pods.

The Snowshoe Hare

The snowshoe hare is a small, agile herbivore that’s perfectly adapted to the snowy tundra, thanks to their large hind feet that help them move quickly through the snow and their thick fur that helps them stay warm in freezing temperatures. They’re one of many among arctic wildlife that can camouflage themselves, with their hair changing color with the season; brown in summer and white in winter.  

 

So you see, the Arctic is a diverse region home to some of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful animals. And these six barely begin to scratch the surface of all the unique arctic wildlife there is to know about. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast or just looking for your next adventure, these polar animals are worth learning more about, and the Arctic is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Disclaimer: Not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. If you think your pet has a medical emergency, call or visit your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital immediately.