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Photo Gallery: Animals of the Arctic

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Atlantic Puffin
Photograph by Roy Toft
Atlantic puffins spend most of their lives at sea, but return to land to form breeding colonies during spring and summer.
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Polar Bear Cub Finds Comfort
Photograph by Norbert Rosing
A three-month-old polar bear cub finds comfort in its mother's warmth.
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Arctic Skua (Parasitic Jaeger)
Photograph by Paul Nicklen
Arctic skuas, also called parasitic jaegers, have a well-earned reputation as avian pirates, stealing much of their food from other birds.
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Polar Bear Mother With Cub
Photograph by Norbert Rosing
Dutiful mothers, female polar bears usually give birth to twin cubs, which stay with her for more than two years until they can hunt and survive on their own.
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Baby Harp Seal
Photograph by Norbert Rosing
A baby harp seal rests on the Arctic ice. Its mother can distinguish it from hundreds of others by scent alone.
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Snowshoe Hare
Photograph by Michael S. Quinton
The aptly named snowshoe hare has particularly large feet and a winter-white coat. In the summer though, their fur turns brown, taking up to ten weeks to change color completely.
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Arctic Fox
Photograph by Norbert Rosing
The lush white coat of the arctic fox provides both warmth and camouflage in winter.
Narwhal Cow and Her Newborn Calf
Photograph by Flip Nicklin
A newborn narwhal calf is about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and can weigh 175 to 220 pounds (79 to 100 kilograms). Narwhals are normally found in pods of two to ten.
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Beluga Whale Swimming
Photograph by Brian J. Skerry
The beluga, or white whale, is one of the smallest species of whale. Their distinctive color and prominent foreheads make them easily identifiable.
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Snowy Owl
Photograph by Norbert Rosing
The snowy owl's beautiful white plumage helps to hide it in its Arctic habitat. Only the males are completely white. Chicks are dark and spotted, while the females are white with spots on their wings.
Portrait of a Walrus
Photograph by Bill Curtsinger
Both male and female walruses have tusks and have been observed using these overgrown teeth to help pull themselves out of the water.

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Photo Gallery: Animals of the Arctic