Student Article
Here Are 11 Arctic Animals That Not Only Survive, But Also Thrive in the Freezing Polar Landscape
Blubber (noun): A thick layer of fat beneath the skin of some animals.
Territory (noun): An area that an animal defends.
Salinity (noun): The amount of salt in water.
Scavenger (noun): An animal that feeds on dead animals.
The Arctic is one of the most challenging places on Earth, with icy winds and subzero temperatures. Yet many animals have adapted brilliantly to this environment, developing thick fur, powerful swimming skills, and clever hunting strategies.
Polar Bear
Polar bears are the Arctic’s top predators. Their thick fur and fat protect them from the cold. They are skilled swimmers and use their sharp claws to catch seals, their main food source.
Walrus
These massive marine mammals have thick blubber to keep them warm. Their tusks, which can grow up to 3 feet (1 m), help them climb onto ice and fight for territory.
Lemming
These small rodents survive the cold by building tunnel systems under the snow. They can quickly increase their numbers, which is why predators like Arctic foxes rely on them for food.
Musk Ox
Musk oxen have two layers of thick fur to shield them from the cold. During mating season, males release a musky scent to attract females.
Arctic Tern
Arctic terns hold the record for the longest migration of any bird. They travel nearly 19,000 miles (30,000 kilometers) each year between the Arctic and Antarctica.
Wolverine
Wolverines are fierce scavengers. They are powerful enough to take food from wolves and can hunt animals much larger than themselves.
Narwhal
Narwhals are known for their long, spiral tusks, which can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters). Their tusks help them sense water temperature and salinity.
Arctic Fox
These foxes have thick, insulating fur that changes color with the seasons — white in winter and brown in summer. They have furry paws, perfect for walking on snow.
Greenland Shark
The Greenland shark is the longest-living vertebrate, living up to 400 years old. It moves slowly but steadily through the Arctic waters.
Snowy Owl
Snowy owls are skilled hunters with sharp eyesight. Unlike most owls, they often hunt during the day, swooping down on lemmings and other prey.
Arctic Wolf
The Arctic wolves' thick white fur helps them blend in with the snow. They hunt in packs, working together to take down caribou and musk oxen.
© Leoma Williams / Our Media
Blubber (noun): A thick layer of fat beneath the skin of some animals.
Territory (noun): An area that an animal defends.
Salinity (noun): The amount of salt in water.
Scavenger (noun): An animal that feeds on dead animals.