Winter is hard for wildlife as the days are short and food is in short supply, especially in the Antarctic. However, some animals are adapted for living in the coldest habitats in the world.
The artic hare is adapted largely to polar and mountainous habitats. Its distinguishing physical traits include shortened ears and thick white fur. The hares usually dig holes under the snow to keep warm.
The artic hare
The Artic fox or the white fox is commonly found throughout the Artic tundra biome. This species has thick, white coat which keeps warmth and helps camouflage in winter.
The species has a system of countercurrent heat exchange in the circulation of paws.
Desert cottontail rabbits are commonly found throughout North and South America. They are noted for their fluffy “cotton” tail.
A baby harp seal can be distinguished from hundreds of others by scent.
Musk-oxen are well-known for the strong odor from males and for its thick, shaggy coat. The coat keeps them warm in the Artic.
During the summer, snowshoe hares’ fur is rusty brown and turns white during the winter for camouflage.
The King Penguin ranks second only to the Emperor Penguin in terms of weight. Their distinctively large flippers help them dive deep in the icy ocean. With estimated total population of 2.23 million pairs, King Penguins are common in Antarctica, South Georgia, and other temperate islands of the regions.
The Siberian tiger is one of the three remaining species of tigers. It is the largest living felid. It is typically 5–10 cm taller at the shoulders than the Bengal tiger.
The Emperor penguin is the largest of all living penguin species. They reach 122 cm in height and weigh up to 45 kg.
Related links:
Helping Winter Wildlife during the Cold Spells
Arctic Animals\’ Changing Colors in Seasons
How We Can Help Animals of the Wildlife During Winter
Looking after Wildlife During Winter
I am 25 years old, and I study materials on education, likes reading and writing. In free time, I often join literature clubs and share my interest with others.
