Animals of the Arctic

IFAW is a conservation and rescue organisation that works around the world to help animals. We’re dedicated to protecting whales, seals, and other wildlife you might find in the Arctic. Learn more about our work and how you can get involved.

In this blog, we answer the question of how it’s possible for animals to survive in the Arctic Circle and explore what species live there.

What animals live in the Arctic?

There are more than 21,000 known species in the Arctic, which have evolved over millennia to cope with extreme cold, long winters, and the fluctuating availability of food. This includes over 100 species of land- and water-based mammals, between 200 and 300 birds, and around 280 fish. Only five amphibians and a single reptile species are found in the Arctic, as their cold-blooded nature makes it nearly impossible to survive in such low temperatures.

Winter temperatures in the Arctic can plunge to around −37°C (−35 °F). During the summer, in the southern regions of the Arctic, the daily average temperature is around 10°C (50°F). However, further north and in maritime climates, it doesn’t get much warmer than 4°C (40 °F).

Parts of the Arctic are technically classed as a desert, as they receive very little rainfall in comparison to other ecosystems around the world, and most of the precipitation in the Arctic falls as snow. The cold temperatures mean that moisture in the air is low and snow often stays on the ground for most of the year.

As a result, plant life in the Arctic is sparse. There are few trees, though hardy species like the white spruce, Scots pine, dwarf birch, and Arctic willow grow there. The majority of vegetation is in the form of tundra, consisting of mosses, lichens, grasses, and dwarf shrubs. 

In spite of this, thousands of Arctic animals have developed a strategy for survival in such an unforgiving landscape, including thick fur and blubber, as well as seasonal migrations and hibernation. However, just like other biomes around the world, the Arctic faces increasing threats from climate change, which is causing temperatures to rise and ice to melt at unprecedented rates, threatening all 21,000 species that live there.

16 animals of the Arctic

To better understand the diversity of the Arctic, let’s take a closer look at some of its keystone species and how they have adapted to the harsh conditions.

Arctic foxes

The Arctic fox is a small mammal native to the region, living in the Arctic tundra. It is known for its thick, insulating coat, which changes colour with the seasons—white in winter to blend in with the snow and brown or grey in summer to match the landscape.

The Arctic fox is an opportunistic eater, primarily feeding on small mammals like lemmings, though occasionally turning to plants and berries when needed. In winter, when food is scarce, it may follow polar bears to scavenge their leftovers.

The Arctic fox is listed as least concern by the IUCN, though some populations are threatened by hunting and climate change. There are also animal welfare concerns regarding fur farms, which harvest Arctic foxes for their coats.

The IUCN lists polar bears as vulnerable, with climate change being their most significant threat. As sea ice melts, it forces them to travel greater distances for food, leading to malnutrition and decreased survival rates.

Brown bears

Though brown bears can live as far south as Mongolia, there are large numbers of them living in the Arctic. Slightly smaller than polar bears, these Arctic animals predominantly eat a plant-based diet of fruits and plants, but they also eat rodents and fish in some areas.

Arctic brown bears have developed thicker, more insulating fur compared to their southern counterparts. During the short summer months, they consume large amounts of food to build up fat reserves for hibernation during the long, harsh Arctic winter.

While the species as a whole is not endangered, some populations of brown bears face immediate threats due to human encroachment and human-wildlife conflicts. In southwest Alaska, for example, the proposed development of a new mine threatens the survival of the area’s brown bears.

Dall sheep

Dall sheep, a species of wild sheep, are native to the mountainous regions of Alaska and northwestern Canada, distinguished by their bright white fur, which blends in with snowy landscapes, providing adequate camouflage to keep them safe from predators. Male Dall sheep have long, curved black horns, while females’ horns are shorter and straighter.

Dall sheep have evolved to expertly navigate their rugged, mountainous habitat, where they roam steep, rocky terrain to graze on grasses and other plant matter. The IUCN classes Dall sheep as least concern. Though they are hunted both for sport and for subsistence, it is tightly regulated. The three primary threats to Dall sheep’s survival are habitat loss from climate change and human activity, disease and parasites, and competition and predation from shifting predator-prey dynamics and distributions in the region.

One way climate change may affect Dall sheep—and other species—is the shifting of the seasons. When the timing of spring and winter’s arrival changes, Dall sheep and other animals may no longer be breeding and giving birth at the most opportune times. Springtime, for instance, is a good time to give birth to young, as there is more plentiful food available. If spring begins later, the survival chances of young animals could be decreased.

Caribou

Also known as reindeer in North America, caribou are large, herbivorous mammals that live across the Arctic tundra. They have thick fur to keep them warm and large hooves to help them walk easily on snow and paddle through water. Both male and female caribou grow long, thick antlers, which allow them to easily dig through snow for food.

Ranging in colour from reddish to chocolate brown, caribou are migratory, travelling long distances across the Arctic in search of plant matter to feed on. These Arctic animals are classed as vulnerable with a rapidly declining population, mostly due to climate change and overhunting.

Moose

Moose are the largest members of the deer family—males can weigh up to 600 kilograms (1,300 pounds) and stand over two metres (seven feet) tall at the shoulder. With massive antlers, a humped back, and a distinctive large nose, moose make an imposing figure across the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions in which they live.

These animals have evolved to survive the harsh temperatures of the far north. Their thick brown fur creates excellent insulation, while their elongated noses can warm up frosty air before it reaches their lungs.

As herbivores, moose feed on leaves and bark, as well as aquatic plants in the warmer months. The IUCN lists the moose as least concern, but some populations are declining due to climate change, habitat loss, and hunting.

Musk oxen

Musk oxen are giant mammals native to the Arctic tundra, known for their shaggy wool and long, curved horns. Weighing up to 340 kilograms (750 pounds), they have thick, double-layered fur, which insulates them from the cold and wind. Their bodies are stocky and barrel-shaped, which helps minimise heat loss.

These imposing mammals primarily graze on grasses, mosses, and lichens, and live in herds, which provide protection against predators like wolves. Though IUCN lists them as least concern, musk oxen populations are declining due to excessive hunting and human expansion into wild areas.

Ptarmigans

Also known as rock ptarmigans, ptarmigans are hardy birds in the grouse family that have adapted well to the cold Arctic conditions. They build their nests in the tundra and rocky mountains of the region. Their appearance changes with the seasons too: they have thick white plumage in winter to blend in with the snow and mottled brown and grey feathers in summer to match the tundra landscape. About the size of a small chicken, ptarmigans have feathered feet that keep them warm when walking on snow and stop them from sinking into it, like natural snow shoes.

These Arctic birds primarily feed on leaves, lichen, and whatever else they can find in the snowy landscape. Though listed as least concern, ptarmigans have a declining population that is threatened by habitat loss and climate change. The species also experiences pressure from overhunting in some areas. In addition, the construction of tourism infrastructure such as ski facilities threaten ptarmigan habitat, and the birds can die from collision with ski cables.

Arctic terns

Arctic terns are remarkable seabirds known for their incredible long-distance migration from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year—a journey of over 40,000 kilometres (25,000 miles). This is the longest migration any bird species in the world undertakes. In the summer, they nest in the Arctic, where they feed on fish and the occasional crustacean or insect, before flying south to follow the warm weather.

Small and slender, Arctic terns have black and white feathers with bright red beaks and legs. The Arctic tern’s streamlined body makes it an agile flyer, well-adapted to its migratory patterns. The IUCN lists Arctic terns as least concern but they have a declining population due to climate change, egg harvesting, and predation by invasive minks.

Arctic terns are expected to lose 20-50% of their habitat due to temperature changes. The sand eel is a key food source for these birds, and rising ocean temperatures are changing the distribution and populations of this prey—as is overfishing in some areas. Lower populations of sand eel have been linked to breeding failure and starvation in Arctic tern colonies.

Atlantic puffins

The smallest of all puffin species, Atlantic puffins are found all across the Arctic, though they tend to migrate south to warmer areas in the winter. They are characterised by their bright, colourful beaks, which are shades of yellow and orange, and they are often called the ‘clowns of the sea’ or ‘sea parrots’.

These birds are excellent swimmers, using their wings to ‘fly’ underwater while hunting for fish, their primary food source. Waterproof feathers insulate them from cold temperatures. They also have a high salt tolerance, allowing them to drink seawater.

Despite being the most common species of puffin, these Arctic animals are listed by the IUCN as vulnerable. They are threatened by climate change, industrial fishing, and human disturbance on nesting islands. 

Found in the northern Arctic, they nest along coastlines in remote regions. During the summer, they can also be found inland around tundra lakes, when fish—their main food source—may be more abundant.

While floating in frigid water, yellow-billed loons have been observed tucking one foot at a time under a wing to keep it warm. Classed by the IUCN as a near threatened species, they are vulnerable to oil spills in the Arctic, mercury and other heavy metal contamination, and competition with fisheries for food. However, their biggest threat is likely overhunting.

Snowy owls

Snowy owls are large white owls that blend seamlessly into the snow—which is essential for survival in their Arctic tundra habitat. They have strikingly bright yellow eyes. Juvenile snowy owls have darker stripes on their feathers. As they age, males grow whiter, while females retain a few grey and brown feathers in their plumage. Their feathers are denser than those of owls in warmer climates, which helps insulate them from the cold.

As powerful hunters, snowy owls’ main source of food is lemmings, which they can locate even when the prey is buried under snow thanks to their powerful hearing and eyesight. Snowy owls are classed as vulnerable by the IUCN and have a decreasing population. Historically, snowy owls were hunted by the thousands for taxidermy, food, and eggs. Today, they are threatened by habitat loss due to urban expansion, and they can also become caught in traps set for foxes and poisoned by bait set for rats. Climate change is likely to become an increasing threat to snowy owls, as shifting seasonal patterns alter prey distribution.

Bowhead whales

As one of the largest whale species, bowhead whales can grow up to 19 metres (62 feet) long. They also have a 48-centimetre (19-inch) thick layer of blubber—thicker than that of any other whale. This is just one of their many adaptations to survive the cold Arctic waters. They also have a thick skull, which helps them to break through sea ice.

It’s estimated that adult bowhead whales need to eat about 100 metric tons (over 220,000 pounds) of crustaceans every year, and as such, they have the largest mouth of any animal, representing almost one-third of the length of the body. They are classed by the IUCN as least concern but face threats from industrial fishing and shipping operations.

Whales around the world are threatened by vessel strikes, entanglement, ocean noise pollution, and climate change. Learn more about what IFAW is doing to help them.

Beluga whales

Belugas are small, light-coloured whales known for their playful nature and a face that almost looks like it’s smiling. Found across the Arctic Ocean, belugas have rounded foreheads, which not only help them with vocalisations and echolocation but also with finding breathing holes in sea ice. They have adapted to swim without a dorsal fin, which also helps them move underneath ice floats.

Beluga whales live mainly in coastal areas but have been known to swim inland during the summer months. They are opportunistic eaters, so they feed on whatever is available based on the season, which helps them thrive year-round. The IUCN lists beluga whales as least concern, though some populations face risks due to climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and increased ship traffic. When sea ice melts and reforms at rapid rates, belugas can become trapped in ice.

Walruses

The walrus is an iconic, distinctive mammal known for its massive size, large tusks, long whiskers, and wrinkly skin. Native to the Arctic, they have a thick layer of blubber for insulation against the cold and strong tusks, which can grow up to one metre (three feet) long and help them climb out of the water onto the ice.

Living in shallow coastal waters, these Arctic animals spend much of their time on sea ice or beaches, where they feed mostly on clams and mussels. Their whiskers help them seek out prey on the ocean floor.

Walruses are classed as vulnerable by the IUCN. They are hunted for their blubber, hide, and ivory tusks. Their greatest threat is the loss of sea ice due to climate change, as without sea ice, they will run out of space to live and eat outside the water.

Harp seals

The harp seal lives throughout the Arctic Ocean and is recognised by a harp-shaped patch of black fur on its otherwise white body. Though they’re born without blubber, harp seal pups develop a thick layer of protective fat as they nurse, helping to keep them warm in the cold water they call home. Their waterproof fur also acts as insulation.

As strong swimmers, harp seals spend much of their lives at sea and can dive to depths of up to 400 meters (1,300 feet) in search of fish and crustaceans. Harp seals are listed as least concern by the IUCN but still face threats to their survival from industrial fishing techniques and the ongoing effects of climate change.

IFAW was first founded in 1969 to end the Canadian seal hunt, which impacted harp seals and other species. Today, we are still working to protect animals around the world.