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Arctic wildlife information and pictures

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Survival in the Arctic

Arctic wildlife
The hairy coat of the musk ox is a mix of black, gray, and brown colors, and includes long guard hairs that reach almost to the ground. © Patrick J. Endres
Survival in the Arctic is demanding and risky. Over the years, animals and birds have developed sophisticated means for dealing with the extremes intrinsic to the arctic climate.

There are three basic ways that homeotherms (animals that create heat internally) handle the arctic cold weather:

  • Migration (get out of here)
  • Hibernation (extreme conservation)
  • Resistance (block out the cold)

Arctic wildlife
The fur of the Snowshoe hare turns white during the winter and rusty brown during the summer. It is distinguishable by the black tufts of fur on the edge of its ears. Its ears are shorter than those of most other hares. © Patrick J. Endres
All require a great deal of sophisticated and efficient natural adaptations. For the non migrators and non hibernators, heat management becomes the critical factor. In order to maintain a certain body temperature, heat is either contained by a well insulated coat or feathers, or, generated internally through energy created by the breakdown of food.

Arctic wildlife
Allen's rule is a biological rule posited by Joel Asaph Allen in 1877. It states that animals from colder climates usually have shorter limbs/appendages than the equivalent animals from warmer climates. © Patrick J. Endres
Allen's rule suggests that species in the far North have a greater body mass per surface area ratio. In other words, There is less total body surface area to loose heat through in proportion to their overall size. Small ears, shortened noses, etc. are such adaptations.

Arctic wildlife
Ptarmigan have feathery feet that serve as snowshoes, enabling them to move more easily across the snow. © Patrick J. Endres
Other adaptations spin off these two fundamental principles. Predators and prey have both developed efficient means of travel and transport through the snowy and icy environs. The Ptarmigan for example has feathery feet that serve as snowshoes, enabling them to move more easily across the snow. Other animals like the snowshoe hare, lynx, and caribou, have enlarged feet that aide in their travels on the snow. Moose have long thin legs that help them walk through tundra and snow.

Arctic wildlife
The benefit of camouflage, or cryptic coloring is apparent as this hare blends into the snowy environment. © Patrick J. Endres

Cryptic coloration (camouflage) serves both the hunter and the hunted. Arctic hares are completely white in winter except for a slight black tip on the ears and they are well camouflaged from their predators. Polar bears on the other hand, benefit by their white color to help disguise them when stalking seals on the ice.

Arctic wildlife
Polar bears are so well insulated that they are nearly invisible under infrared photography; only their breath and muzzles can be easily seen. © Patrick J. Endres

Thick blubber and fur insulate the polar bear against the cold, and its translucent fur, which appears white or cream-colored, camouflages it from its prey. In accordance with Allen's rule, The bear has a short tail and small ears that help reduce heat loss, as well as a relatively small head and long, tapered body to streamline it for swimming. Stiff hairs on the soles of its paws provide insulation and traction on ice.

Arctic wildlife
Lynx sightings are rare in the wild due to the shy and solitary nature of the animal. © Patrick J. Endres

Lynx have very broad feet and long slender legs that aid them when traveling through deep snow. In Alaska's arctic, the lynx relies heavily on the Snowshoe Hare as a prey species. The Lynx population tends to follow the approximately 10 year long rise and decline of Snowshoe Hare numbers.

Land Mammals of the Arctic

  • Polar bear
  • Barren ground caribou
  • Arctic fox
  • Lemmings
  • Short-tailed weasel
  • Lynx
  • Wolf
  • Musk Oxen
  • Arctic ground squirrel
  • Grizzly bear
  • Wolverine
  • Arctic hare
  • Snowshoe hare
  • Dall sheep
  • Red Fox

Whales of the Arctic

  • Beluga whale
  • Bowhead whale
  • Narwhale
  • Killer whale

Marine Mammals of the Arctic

  • Polar Bear
  • Walrus
  • Ringed Seal
  • Ribbon Seal
  • Harbor Seal

Birds that live in the arctic year round:

  • Snowy owl
  • Willow Ptarmigan
  • Rock Ptarmigan
  • Eider
  • Hoary and Common Redpoll
  • Gray Jay
  • Great Horned Owl
  • Boreal Owl
  • Pine Grosbeak
  • Snow bunting
  • Common Raven
  • Boreal Chickadee
  • Gyr Falcon

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Search for Arctic Wildlife

arctic wildlife pictures
Grizzly bears deal with the harsh climate of winter by hibernating in dens.

arctic wildlife pictures
Camouflage in the summer is as important as the winter for animal survival.

arctic wildlife pictures
Moose have long legs that help them walk in deep snow and tundra/taiga environments.

arctic wildlife pictures
Muskox wool, or qiviut (an Inuit word), is highly prized for its softness, length, and insulation value.

arctic wildlife pictures
Ravens have counter current blood circulation in their feet that limit heat loss.

arctic wildlife pictures
Caribou have splayed hoofs that enable them to outrun wolves on snow packed tundra.

arctic wildlife pictures
Polar bears have hollow hair which increases insulation.

arctic wildlife pictures
Dall sheep face difficulties finding food during the winter months, and paw at the snow covered tundra to access grasses and lichen.

arctic wildlife pictures
Polar bears get their water from the breakdown of fat in their bodies, and therefore typically, do not need to melt snow to get water.

arctic wildlife pictures
Common Raven forages for food in minus 40 degree temperatures in Fairbanks, Alaska.