When most of us think of extreme cold, we can’t help but shiver. But for some animals, extreme cold is just another day. From the Arctic fox to the polar bear, there are many animals that have adapted to living in the coldest parts of the world. In this article, we will discuss 15 animals that can survive in extreme cold and why they are able to do so.
The Arctic Fox
The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is a small, white-furred mammal native to the Arctic tundra. Arctic foxes have thick fur that helps them stay warm in temperatures that can reach as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degrees Celsius). They also have short, rounded ears and short legs, which help them retain heat. Furthermore, their fur changes from white in the winter to brownish-gray in the summer to help them blend in with the snow and ice. Arctic foxes are omnivores that feed on small mammals, birds, eggs, insects, and carrion.
The Polar Bear
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the largest land-dwelling carnivore and is native to the Arctic Circle. Polar bears have thick fur and a layer of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius). They also have large paws, which act like snowshoes, allowing them to move around more easily on snow and ice. Polar bears are carnivores and feed mainly on seals.
The Reindeer
The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is a species of deer native to the Arctic tundra. Reindeer have thick fur and long legs to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degrees Celsius). They also have wide hooves to help them move around on snow and ice. Reindeer are herbivores and feed mainly on grasses, mosses, and lichens.
The Musk Ox
The musk ox (Ovibos moschatus) is a large, shaggy mammal native to the Arctic tundra. Musk oxen have thick fur and a layer of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degrees Celsius). They also have large horns to help them defend themselves against predators. Musk oxen are herbivores and feed mainly on grasses and sedges.
The Arctic Hare
The Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) is a species of hare native to the Arctic tundra. Arctic hares have thick fur and long ears to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degrees Celsius). They also have wide hind feet to help them move around on snow and ice. Arctic hares are herbivores and feed mainly on grasses, mosses, and lichens.
The Walrus
The walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is a large, amphibious mammal native to the Arctic Ocean. Walruses have thick blubber and whiskers to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius). They also have sharp tusks to help them defend themselves against predators. Walruses are omnivores and feed mainly on mollusks, crustaceans, and fish.
The Beluga Whale
The beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is a species of whale native to the Arctic Ocean. Beluga whales have thick blubber and a layer of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -2 degrees Fahrenheit (-19 degrees Celsius). They also have a white color to help them blend in with the ice and snow. Beluga whales are carnivores and feed mainly on fish, squid, and crustaceans.
The Snowy Owl
The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large, white-feathered bird native to the Arctic tundra. Snowy owls have thick feathers and a layer of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degrees Celsius). They also have large eyes to help them see in the dark. Snowy owls are carnivores and feed mainly on small mammals, birds, and insects.
The Arctic Tern
The Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) is a species of seabird native to the Arctic Ocean. Arctic terns have thick feathers and a layer of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -2 degrees Fahrenheit (-19 degrees Celsius). They also have a red bill to help them find food in the dark. Arctic terns are carnivores and feed mainly on fish, squid, and crustaceans.
The Arctic Wolf
The Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos) is a subspecies of gray wolves native to the Arctic tundra. Arctic wolves have thick fur and a layer of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degrees Celsius). They also have large paws to help them move around on snow and ice. Arctic wolves are carnivores and feed mainly on small mammals, birds, and carrion.
The Harp Seal
The harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) is a species of seal native to the Arctic Ocean. Harp seals have thick fur and a layer of blubber to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -2 degrees Fahrenheit (-19 degrees Celsius). They also have a white color to help them blend in with the snow and ice. Harp seals are carnivores and feed mainly on fish and squid.
The Arctic Ground Squirrel
The Arctic ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryii) is a species of rodent native to the Arctic tundra. Arctic ground squirrels have thick fur and a layer of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degrees Celsius). They also have short legs and short tails to help them retain heat. Arctic ground squirrels are herbivores and feed mainly on grasses, mosses, and lichens.
The Arctic Loon
The Arctic loon (Gavia arctica) is a species of seabird native to the Arctic Ocean. Arctic loons have thick feathers and a layer of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -2 degrees Fahrenheit (-19 degrees Celsius). They also have large eyes to help them see in the dark. Arctic loons are carnivores and feed mainly on fish, squid, and crustaceans.
The Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute (Canis lupus familiaris) is a large, domesticated dog native to the Arctic tundra. Alaskan Malamutes have thick fur and a layer of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degrees Celsius). They also have large paws to help them move around on snow and ice. Alaskan Malamutes are carnivores and feed mainly on meat and fish.
The Emperor Penguin
The emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) is a species of penguin native to the Antarctic. Emperor penguins have thick feathers and a layer of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm in temperatures as low as -76 degrees Fahrenheit (-60 degrees Celsius). They also have large feet to help them move around on snow and ice. Emperor penguins are carnivores and feed mainly on krill, fish, and squid.
There are many animals that have adapted to living in extreme cold. From the Arctic fox to the Emperor penguin, these animals have thick fur and layers of fat beneath their skin to help them stay warm. They also have unique adaptive characteristics, such as short ears and large paws, which help them survive in their hostile environment. These animals are a testament to the power of adaptation and the wonders of nature.
