Every winter, the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter. But in the Arctic Circle, winter temperatures can drop to 90 degrees below zero! And on some days, the sun never even rises. Yet many animals call the Arctic home.

Polar bears have a thick layer of fat under their fur that helps them stay warm and float in the water. They also have very powerful noses. They can smell food through thick ice up to 15 miles away. During the worst of winter, female polar bears dig dens in the snow.

No bird lives closer to the North Pole than the snowy owl. It can live in the Arctic Circle all year long. A thick coat of white feathers all over its body – even on its feet – help keep the snowy owl warm.

Harp seals live in the Arctic Ocean. They are mammals, so they must come up for air. They can chew through the ice or bash it with their heads to make breathing holes. Baby harp seals have fluffy white fur that helps them hide from their enemies on the ice.

Wolverines live alone in the Arctic Circle. Their feet are large and a little bit webbed (like a duck) so they don’t sink into the snow. They can make a deep growl that scares most other animals.

Do You Like Animals?
There are many ways to learn more about animals from all over the world. Visit the library or ask your parents to help you search the Internet for more information. Or use your savings account to save up for a trip to the zoo!