From Polar Bears To Snowy Owls: Top 10 Arctic Animals

Polar BearThe Arctic's iconic polar bears are the world's largest land predators, named from the Greek "arktikos," meaning "near the Bear." Adapted to extreme cold with thick fat and dense white fur, they excel in hunting seals.Walrus The walrus, a massive Arctic marine mammal and member of the pinniped group, is known for its iconic tusks and thick blubber layer, essential for surviving near-freezing waters. Lemming Often mischaracterised for "mass suicide" during migration, lemmings are Arctic rodents that thrive on moss, grass, and berries. In winter, they create complex snow tunnels with nests, toilets, and resting spots for warmth and protection. Musk OxMusk oxen are large-hooved mammals primarily found in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic. They stand about 5 feet tall at the shoulder and are named for the strong odour males emit during mating. Arctic TernThe Arctic tern is the only wild animal on this list found in the British Isles, breeding in northern coastal regions like Shetland and Orkney. Renowned for their long migrations, these birds travel nearly 19,000 miles from Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctic winters.Wolverine Wolverines, the largest members of the mustelid family, inhabit northern coniferous forests and occasionally venture into the USA, Russia, China, and Northern Europe. They are known for their strength and hunting prowess.Narwhal The narwhal, resembling a blend of dolphin and unicorn, is a toothed whale distinguished by its impressive tusk, a long canine tooth reaching up to 3 meters. Arctic FoxThe Arctic fox, a beloved resident of the tundra, is well-adapted to extreme cold. Its thick, colour-changing coat—grey in summer and white in winter—camouflages it. Unique among canids, it has fur on its foot pads for insulation. Snowy OwlSnowy owls, recognisable by their white plumage and dark markings, soar over the Arctic tundra and are unique for their daytime hunting, especially in summer. Their diet heavily relies on lemmings.