Arctic animals are animals that have adapted to the extreme environmental conditions of the arctic biome located near the North Pole. Known for its cold, wind, snow, and ice, the Arctic Circle is further categorized into two distinct zones: the High Arctic Zone, closest to the North Pole with very little animal or plant life, and the Low Arctic Zone with slightly warmer temperatures that support the majority of arctic life. In response to the environment, many arctic animals have developed specific survival strategies that include growing thicker coats, camouflaging, hibernating, or migrating away.

How do animals survive in the arctic?

Animals survive in the arctic by physically developing adaptations to withstand the extreme temperatures such as insulating fur, multiple layers of fat, as well as oily skin coatings. These physical elements in combination with one another help animals live comfortably within the arctic. They also help keep moisture out and heat inside.

Do all arctic animals have blubber?

Arctic animals have blubber that covers their entire body and is an essential element of the physical anatomy. The blubber of arctic animals helps store energy, insulate heat, as well as increase buoyancy. Although some marine animals also have blubber it is thicker among arctic animals to protect them against the extreme cold.

Why are arctic animals white?

Arctic animals are typically white because it offers an additional layer of warmth and protection. Arctic animals are white because it has no extra coloring and provides more room for air to insulate them. The white coloring also helps arctic animals blend into their surroundings and acts as a form of camouflage.

Arctic Animals Guides
Browse through our curated Arctic Animals Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Arctic Animals. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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18”-28” | 46-71 cm
8-13 lb | 3.6-6 kg
11-20 years
Adélie Penguin
71.000
6.000
20.00
2900
GUIDE
3D
Adélie Penguin
10”-12” | 25-30 cm
18”-24” | 46-61 cm
7-17 lb | 3-7.7 kg
3-6 years (wild); up to 14-16 years (captivity)
Arctic Fox
30.000
61.000
7.700
16.00
114000
GUIDE
3D
Arctic Fox
25”-31” | 64-79 cm
38”-68” | 97-173 cm
70-155 lb | 32-70 kg
7-10 years (wild); up to 18 years (captivity)
Arctic Wolf
79.000
173.000
70.000
18.00
28000
GUIDE
3D
Arctic Wolf
17.7”-21.25” | 45-54 cm
21.25”-23.6” | 54-60 cm
6.92’-8.83’ | 2.1-2.7 m
440-550 lb | 200-250 kg
20-31 years
Bearded Seal
54.000
60.000
270.000
250.000
31.00
4750
GUIDE
3D
Bearded Seal
2’8”-4’2” | 81-127 cm
35”-54” | 89-138 cm
13’-20’ | 4-6.1 m
2,000-3,000 lb | 910-1,360 kg
35-50 years
Beluga Whale
127.000
138.000
610.000
1360.000
50.00
224000
GUIDE
3D
Beluga Whale
8.9’-12.1’ | 2.7-3.7 m
14.1’-19.4’ | 4.3-5.9 m
45’-60’ | 13.7-18.3 m
75-100 tons | 68-91 metric tons
150-200 years
Bowhead Whale
370.000
590.000
1830.000
90718.000
200.00
66900
GUIDE
3D
Bowhead Whale
27”-30” | 68-76 cm
7-12 lb | 3.2-5.3 kg
15-20 years
Chinstrap Penguin
76.000
5.300
20.00
6900
GUIDE
3D
Chinstrap Penguin
4.3’-5.9’ | 1.3-1.8 m
6.6’-9.2’ | 2-2.8 m
26’-35’ | 7.9-10.7 m
6-10 tons | 5-9 metric tons
40-50 years
Common Minke Whale
180.000
280.000
1070.000
9072.000
50.00
2900
GUIDE
3D
Common Minke Whale
17.7”-20.5” | 45-52 cm
17.3”-18.5” | 44-47 cm
7.5’-8.5’ | 2.3-2.6 m
440-660 lb | 200-300 kg
23-40 years
Crabeater Seal
52.000
47.000
260.000
300.000
40.00
5250
GUIDE
3D
Crabeater Seal
43”-51” | 110-130 cm
49-99 lb | 22-45 kg
15-20 years
Emperor Penguin
130.000
45.000
20.00
44000
GUIDE
3D
Emperor Penguin
20”-35” | 51-90 cm
11-19 lb | 4.9-8.5 kg
15-20 years
Gentoo Penguin
90.000
8.500
20.00
9900
GUIDE
3D
Gentoo Penguin
6.9’-8.5’ | 2.1-2.6 m
10.2’-11.5’ | 3.1-3.5 m
40’-50’ | 12.2-15.2 m
30-41 tons | 27-37 metric tons
55-80 years
Gray Whale
260.000
350.000
1520.000
37195.000
80.00
22300
GUIDE
3D
Gray Whale
26”-33” | 66-84 cm
40”-72” | 102-183 cm
50-150 lb | 23-68 kg
6-8 years (wild); up to 17 years (captivity)
Gray Wolf
84.000
183.000
68.000
17.00
35000
GUIDE
3D
Gray Wolf
12’-24’ | 3.7-7.3 m
1950-2250 lb | 885-1020 kg
300-500 years
Greenland Shark
730.000
1020.000
500.00
55000
GUIDE
3D
Greenland Shark
14.6”-19.3” | 37-49 cm
43.3”-63” | 110-160 cm (Wingspan)
18.9”-25.6” | 48-65 cm
1.8-4.6 lb | .8-2.1 kg
12-25 years
Gyrfalcon
49.000
160.000
65.000
2.100
25.00
17700
GUIDE
3D
Gyrfalcon
18.5”-19.7” | 44-50 cm
20.1”-21.7” | 51-55 cm
5.92’-6.5’ | 1.8-2 m
254-310 lb | 115-140 kg
20-35 years
Harp Seal
50.000
55.000
200.000
140.000
35.00
39700
GUIDE
3D
Harp Seal
15”-29.1” | 38-74 cm (Overall)
13”-38.6” | 33-98 cm (Overall)
5.91’-10’ | 1.8-3 m (Overall)
440-880 lb | 200-400 kg (Overall)
25-35 years
Hooded Seal
74.000
98.000
300.000
400.000
35.00
5950
GUIDE
3D
Hooded Seal
8’-9’8” | 2.44-2.97 m
12.1’-14.8’ | 3.7-4.5 m
43’-52’ | 13-16 m
27.5-33 tons | 25-30 metric tons
45-100 years
Humpback Whale
297.000
450.000
1600.000
30000.000
100.00
63200
GUIDE
3D
Humpback Whale
28”-39” | 70-100 cm
21-40 lb | 9.3-18 kg
15-30 years
King Penguin
100.000
18.000
30.00
15000
GUIDE
3D
King Penguin
13.4”-21.25” | 39-54 cm
15”-22” | 38-56 cm
7.83’-11.5’ | 2.39-3.5 m
573-1,100 lb | 260-500 kg
15-30 years
Leopard Seal
54.000
56.000
350.000
500.000
30.00
88300
GUIDE
3D
Leopard Seal
24”-27” | 61-69 cm
7-14 lb | 3.2-6.4 kg
15-20 years
Macaroni Penguin
69.000
6.400
20.00
15000
GUIDE
3D
Macaroni Penguin
39”-50” | 99-127 cm
16.5”-20.9” | 42-53 cm
55.1”-70.9” | 140-180 cm
132-265 lb | 60-120 kg
10-21 years
Mountain Goat
127.000
53.000
180.000
120.000
21.00
87350
GUIDE
3D
Mountain Goat
Muskox
36450
52.4”-64.2” | 133-163 cm
25.2”-33.5” | 64-85 cm
74.8”-96.5” | 190-245 cm
397-838 lb | 180-380 kg
12-22 years
Muskox
163.000
85.000
245.000
380.000
22.00
36450
GUIDE
3D
Muskox
Narwhal
505800
23”-36” | 58-92 cm
25”-39” | 63-99 cm
11.5’-18’ | 3.5-5.49 m
1,764-3,527 lb | 800-1,600 kg
35-55 years
Narwhal
92.000
99.000
549.000
1600.000
55.00
505800
GUIDE
3D
Narwhal
9.8”-12.8” | 25-32.5 cm
38.2”-48” | 97-122 cm (Wingspan)
16.1”-20.5” | 41-52 cm
.64-1.65 lb | .29-.75 kg
8-17 years
Northern Harrier
32.500
122.000
52.000
0.750
17.00
15060
GUIDE
3D
Northern Harrier
2.2”-2.6” | 5.5-6.5 cm
5.1”-6.3” | 13-16 cm
2.5-4.6 oz | 70-130 g
1-2 years (wild); 2-3 years (captivity)
Norway Lemming
6.500
16.000
0.130
3.00
30000
GUIDE
3D
Norway Lemming
2’8”-5’3” | .81-1.6 m
7’10”-9’10” | 2.4-3 m
330-1500 lb | 150-680 kg
20-30 years (wild); up to 45 years (captivity)
Polar Bear
160.000
300.000
680.000
45.00
132000
GUIDE
3D
Polar Bear
2’9”-4’7” | 85-140 cm
3’11”-7’2” | 120-220 cm
132-705 lb | 60-320 kg
15-20 years
Reindeer | Caribou
140.000
220.000
320.000
20.00
204000
GUIDE
3D
Reindeer | Caribou
22”-26” | 56-66 cm
36”-51” | 91-130 cm
75-120 lb | 34-54 kg
8-15 years (wild); 18-22 years (captivity)
Snow Leopard
66.000
130.000
54.000
22.00
121000
GUIDE
3D
Snow Leopard
38.6”-55.5” | 98-141 cm
14.2”-20.9” | 36-53 cm
49.2”-70.9” | 125-180 cm
73-231 lb | 33-105 kg
9-24 years
Snow Sheep
141.000
53.000
180.000
105.000
24.00
1000
GUIDE
3D
Snow Sheep
Snowy Owl
108800
12.4”-16.9” | 31.5-43 cm
51.2”-65.4” | 130-166 cm (Wingspan)
20.5”-28” | 52-71 cm
2.9-6.5 lb | 1.3-2.95 kg
10-28 years
Snowy Owl
43.000
166.000
71.000
2.950
28.00
108800
GUIDE
3D
Snowy Owl
19.7”-49.6” | 50-126 cm (Overall)
24.4”-70.9” | 62-180 cm (Overall)
8.5’-19.67’ | 2.6-6 m (Overall)
772-8,160 lb | 350-3,700 kg (Overall)
14-22 years
Southern Elephant Seal
126.000
180.000
600.000
3700.000
22.00
7200
GUIDE
3D
Southern Elephant Seal
24.4”-37.4” | 62-95 cm (Overall)
23.6”-39.4” | 60-100 cm (Overall)
7.5’-10.67’ | 2.3-3.25 m (Overall)
529-2,470 lb | 240-1,120 kg (Overall)
14-33 years
Steller Sea Lion
95.000
100.000
325.000
1120.000
33.00
8400
GUIDE
3D
Steller Sea Lion
6.7”-8.7” | 17-22 cm
5.1”-7.1” | 13-18 cm
11”-15” | 28-38 cm
1.3-3.3 lb | .6-1.5 kg
4-14 years
Striped Polecat
22.000
18.000
38.000
1.500
14.00
1800
GUIDE
3D
Striped Polecat
Walrus
408300
33.1”-55.1” | 84-140 cm (Overall)
35.4”-52.4” | 90-133 cm (Overall)
7.5’-12.17’ | 2.3-3.7 m (Overall)
1,323-4,410 lb | 600-2,000 kg (Overall)
30-40 years
Walrus
140.000
133.000
370.000
2000.000
40.00
408300
GUIDE
3D
Walrus
18.9”-25.6” | 48-65 cm
13.8”-19.7” | 35-50 cm
8.17’-10.83’ | 2.5-3.3 m
882-1,323 lb | 400-600 kg
20-30 years
Weddell Seal
65.000
50.000
330.000
600.000
30.00
6200
GUIDE
3D
Weddell Seal
68.1”-87.4” | 173-222 cm
29.5”-38.6” | 75-98 cm
115”-149” | 292-378 cm
1102-2645 lb | 500-1200 kg
20-25 years (wild); 25-28 years (captivity)
Wild Yak
222.000
98.000
378.000
1200.000
28.00
10600
GUIDE
3D
Wild Yak
10.2”-13.2” | 26-33.5 cm
23.6”-24.4” | 60-62 cm (Wingspan)
13.8”-17.3” | 35-44 cm
.95-1.8 lb | .43-.81 kg
5-9 years
Willow Ptarmigan
33.500
62.000
44.000
0.810
9.00
5300
GUIDE
3D
Willow Ptarmigan
Wolverine
197000
13.8”-20.5” | 35-52 cm
9.4”-15.4” | 24-39 cm
25.6”-41.3” | 65-105 cm
15.4-61.7 lb | 7-28 kg
7-17 years
Wolverine
52.000
39.000
105.000
28.000
17.00
197000
GUIDE
3D
Wolverine
8.5’-11.17’ | 2.6-3.4 m
4.59’-6.23’ | 1.4-1.9 m
9.19’-12.47’ | 2.8-3.8 m
13,205-17,593 lb | 5,990-7,980 kg
60-80 years
Woolly Mammoth
340.000
190.000
380.000
7980.000
80.00
146900
GUIDE
3D
Woolly Mammoth
Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)
Scale illustration of an average Walrus compared to a human and similar species

Walrus are sociable marine mammals inhabiting parts of the subarctic seas and Arctic oceans. They are the only surviving species grouped under the class Odobenidae. Walrus are identified by a mustache, long-tusk, flat flippers, grizzly whiskers, wrinkled brown and pink hides, and infamous for snorting and bellowing loudly at one another. Walrus use their tusk for various reasons such as hauling themselves out of water or breaking breathing holes into the ice and in males, battling for territories. Walrus also play a big role in the tradition and religion of many Arctic people showing up in folklores and ceremonies. Also, they are regularly hunted for their ivory, blubber, and meat.

Walruss have a total length between 7.5’-12.17’ (2.3-3.7 m), body height of 33.1”-55.1” (84-140 cm), and width of 35.4”-52.4” (90-133 cm). The typical weight of the Walrus is in the range of 1,323-4,410 lb (600-2,000 kg). Walrus have lifespans between 30-40 years. The sizes of Walruses differ greatly between genders.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Walrus seen from the side and top
Walrus are sociable marine mammals inhabiting parts of the subarctic seas and Arctic oceans. They are the only surviving species grouped under the class Odobenidae. Walrus are identified by a mustache, long-tusk, flat flippers, grizzly whiskers, wrinkled brown and pink hides, and infamous snorting.

Walruss have a total length between 7.5’-12.17’ (2.3-3.7 m), body height of 33.1”-55.1” (84-140 cm), and width of 35.4”-52.4” (90-133 cm). The typical weight of the Walrus is in the range of 1,323-4,410 lb (600-2,000 kg). Walrus have lifespans between 30-40 years. The sizes of Walruses differ greatly between genders.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Walrus seen from the side and top
Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)
Height:
33.1”-55.1” | 84-140 cm (Overall)
Width:
35.4”-52.4” | 90-133 cm (Overall)
Length:
7.5’-12.17’ | 2.3-3.7 m (Overall)
Depth:
Weight:
1,323-4,410 lb | 600-2,000 kg (Overall)
Area:

Male:
Length:
8.83’-12.17’ | 2.7-3.7 m

Height: 37.4”-55.1” | 95-140 cm

Width: 35.8”-52.4” | 91-133 cm

Weight: 1,764-4,410 lb | 800-2,000 kg



Female:

Length:
7.5’-10.17’ | 2.3-3.1 m

Height: 33.1”-46.1” | 84-117 cm
Width: 35.4”-45.3” | 90-115 cm

Weight: 1,323-1,874 lb | 600-850 kg

Scientific Name
Odobenus rosmarus
Lifespan
30-40 years

Drawings include:

Walrus side elevation, front

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Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Snow Leopard to a typical person

The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), also known as an ounce, is a large cat inhabiting the mountains of Central and South Asia. This stocky, short-legged cat is pale grey in color with dark spots and rosettes. Due to living in alpine environments, the Snow Leopard has many features or adaptations to provide warmth and stability.

It has broad paws for walking on snow, a dense undercoat for insulation, a long, bushy tail to cover its face when asleep and to maintain balance, and small ears to lessen heat loss. The Snow Leopard typically rest and reside by ridges in the mountains to ensure a vantage point as it prefers to ambush prey from up above.

Snow Leopards have a shoulder height between 22”-26” (56-66 cm), body length of 36”-51” (91-130 cm), and weight in the range of 75-120 lb (34-54 kg). The tail of a Snow Leopard is 31”-39” (79-99 cm) in length. Snow Leopards have a typical lifespan of 8-15 years in the wild and up to 18-22 years in captivity.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Snow Leopard
The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), also known as an ounce, is a large cat inhabiting the mountains of Central and South Asia. This stocky, short-legged cat is pale grey in color with dark spots and rosettes. Due to living in cold alpine environments, the Snow Leopard has many adaptive features.

Snow Leopards have a shoulder height between 22”-26” (56-66 cm), body length of 36”-51” (91-130 cm), and weight in the range of 75-120 lb (34-54 kg). The tail of a Snow Leopard is 31”-39” (79-99 cm) in length. Snow Leopards have a typical lifespan of 8-15 years in the wild and up to 18-22 years in captivity.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Snow Leopard
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
Height:
22”-26” | 56-66 cm
Width:
Length:
36”-51” | 91-130 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
Weight:
75-120 lb | 34-54 kg
Area:
Tail Length
31”-39” | 79-99 cm
Scientific Name
Panthera uncia
Lifespan
8-15 years (wild); 18-22 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Snow Leopard side elevation (standing), front (sitting), side (lying down)

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Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
Dimensioned elevation illustration comparing the size of the Emperor Penguin to the standing height of a man

The Emperor Penguin is the largest living penguin species and are characterized by the black feathers on their head and back that sharply contrast with a pale-yellow breast, and bright-yellow ear patches.  The Emperor Penguin is unique to Antarctica, and it is the only penguin species that breeds during the Antarctic winter, trekking 31-75 miles over the ice to breeding colonies. Its diet consists of mostly fish and crustaceans, and while hunting, Emperor Penguins can remain submerged under water for around 20 minutes, diving to a depth of 1755 feet. Contrary to popular belief, emperor penguins are not monogamous, as the fidelity rate among the species is 15%.

The Emperor Penguin has an average height range of 43”-51” (110-130 cm), weight of 49-99 lb (22-45 kg), and typical lifespan of 15-20 years.

Series of illustrations of the Emperor Penguin in a range of standing positions
The Emperor Penguin is the largest penguin species and are characterized by the black feathers on their bodies that sharply contrast with a pale-yellow breast, and yellow ear patches. Unique to Antarctica, the Emperor Penguin is the only penguin species that breeds during the Antarctic winter.

The Emperor Penguin has an average height range of 43”-51” (110-130 cm), weight of 49-99 lb (22-45 kg), and typical lifespan of 15-20 years.

Series of illustrations of the Emperor Penguin in a range of standing positions
Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
Height:
43”-51” | 110-130 cm
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
49-99 lb | 22-45 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Aptenodytes forsteri
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:
Emperor Penguin standing (side), looking (side), standing (back), walking (side), standing (front), lying down (side), standing (arctic man)

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Striped Polecat (Ictonyx striatus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Striped Polecat compared to similar Mustelid species

The Striped Polecat, Ictonyx striatus, is a carnivorous mammal that resembles a skunk; it is also called African polecat, zoril, zorilla, and African skunk. The species lives in dry and arid climates like the savannahs and the open country of Central, Southern, and sub-Saharan Africa. Physically the striped polecats’ specific coloring varies by its location, but usually, they are black on the underside, white on the tail, and have stripes running from their heads down their back and on their cheeks. Its diet includes small rodents, snakes, birds, amphibians, and insects, and as a result of their small stomachs, they need to eat often.

The Striped Polecat has a body length in the range of 11”-15” (28-38 cm) and total weight of 1.3-3.3 lb (.6-1.5 kg). Striped Polecats have a shoulder height between 6.7”-8.7” (17-22 cm), body width of 5.1”-7.1” (13-18 cm), and tail length of 7.9”-11.8” (20-30 cm). The typical lifespan of the Striped Polecat is between 4-14 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Striped Polecat viewed from the front and side
The Striped Polecat, Ictonyx striatus, is a carnivorous mammal that resembles a skunk; it is also called African polecat, zoril, zorilla, and African skunk. The species lives in dry and arid climates like the savannahs and the open country of Central, Southern, and sub-Saharan Africa.

The Striped Polecat has a body length in the range of 11”-15” (28-38 cm) and total weight of 1.3-3.3 lb (.6-1.5 kg). Striped Polecats have a shoulder height between 6.7”-8.7” (17-22 cm), body width of 5.1”-7.1” (13-18 cm), and tail length of 7.9”-11.8” (20-30 cm). The typical lifespan of the Striped Polecat is between 4-14 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Striped Polecat viewed from the front and side
Striped Polecat (Ictonyx striatus)
Height:
6.7”-8.7” | 17-22 cm
Width:
5.1”-7.1” | 13-18 cm
Length:
11”-15” | 28-38 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.3-3.3 lb | .6-1.5 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm

Scientific Name
Ictonyx striatus
Lifespan
4-14 years

Drawings include:

Striped Polecat side elevation (assorted), front

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Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Gray Whale compared to other sea cows and a person

Gray whales are rather enormous baleen whales belonging to the family Eschrichtiidae. They are sometimes called grey whales, California gray whales, Pacific gray whales, or gray-black whales. Grey whales inhabit the waters of eastern and western North Pacific and are known for the longest mammal migration yearly between feeding and breeding grounds. Besides, they are usually aggressive and prefer shallow waters of the continental shelves. These marine mammals spot gray patches with the skin having white molting. Other characteristics of the gray whale include lack of a dorsal fin and very short baleen with females being larger than males.

Gray Whales have a total length between 40’-50’ (12.2-15.2 m), body height of 6.9’-8.5’ (2.1-2.6 m), and width of 10.2’-11.5’ (3.1-3.5 m). The typical weight of the Gray Whale is in the range of 30-41 tons (27-37 metric tons). Gray Whale have lifespans between 55-80 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Gray Whale viewed from the front and side
Gray whales are rather enormous baleen whales belonging to the family Eschrichtiidae. They are sometimes called grey whales, California gray whales, Pacific gray whales, or gray-black whales. Grey whales inhabit the waters of eastern and western North Pacific and are known for the longest migration.

Gray Whales have a total length between 40’-50’ (12.2-15.2 m), body height of 6.9’-8.5’ (2.1-2.6 m), and width of 10.2’-11.5’ (3.1-3.5 m). The typical weight of the Gray Whale is in the range of 30-41 tons (27-37 metric tons). Gray Whale have lifespans between 55-80 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Gray Whale viewed from the front and side
Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Height:
6.9’-8.5’ | 2.1-2.6 m
Width:
10.2’-11.5’ | 3.1-3.5 m
Length:
40’-50’ | 12.2-15.2 m
Depth:
Weight:
30-41 tons | 27-37 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Eschrichtius robustus
Lifespan
55-80 years

Drawings include:

Gray Whale side elevation, front, top

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