The best way to see animals in all their glory is in their natural habitats in remote, unexplored regions, where they’re free from human civilization.
Book your arctic adventure with a renowned expedition team like Quark Expeditions that can deliver exciting wildlife encounters you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
At 14.5 million sq km, the Arctic region provides plenty of opportunities to observe the following beautiful creatures:
Polar Bears
They’re known as the ‘Kings of the Arctic’ because they’re the dominant animals of the North.
Usually, polar bears hunt ringed seals, but occasionally also dine on bearded seals, walruses, and when they’re feeling lazy, whale carcasses.
Polar bears can smell their prey almost 1.6 km away and swim nearly 50 km at a time.
If you’re lucky, you might witness one of nature’s most thrilling dramas, as a polar bear attacks a seal that nears the surface of sea ice to breathe.
With a bite force of 1,200 PSI, a polar bear’s steel-trap like jaw is nearly inescapable for a seal.
It can comfortably drag a 70 kg adult ringed seal into the land to feed.
As you stare in awe while breathing the frosty air, you may notice that polar bears look relatively comfortable in the freezing temperatures.
That’s because a dense layer of blubber and two thick coats of fur keep their temperature steady at a warm 37 ° C.
If you’re wondering how to see polar bears in Svalbard — visit the ice-laden parts of Norway where the highest densities of polar bears are found.
Just remember to be patient and calm, and you’ll be rewarded by one of the most majestic apex predators you could hope to witness.
Arctic Fox
You may let out a squeal of delight when you see the adorable little arctic fox.
The size of a large, domesticated cat, they’re remarkably sociable and even known to approach curious humans with their cute little furry paws.
But don’t let the little creature’s charm fool you — these resourceful animals are survivors, thriving in freezing temperatures while surrounded by larger predators.
Unscrupulous eaters, arctic foxes scurry to eat migrating birds, insects, reptiles, eggs, and fruit.
When food is scarce, they’ll also feast on leftovers like reindeer carcasses.
Reindeer
Also called caribou, reindeer are likely to be the first animals you see on your arctic adventures, especially if you encounter a large travelling herd.
If you’re lucky, you may notice a reindeer skillfully dodge and escape an attack from a pack of arctic wolves.
Reindeer can see ultraviolet light, which is invisible to human beings.
Their unique eyesight helps them notice wolves moving carefully in the snow.
Walrus
The chances are that you will hear a walrus before you see it.
These vociferous social creatures use various sounds to communicate with each other and excitedly growl when strangers approach.
While these large brown blubbery animals look deceptively lethargic on land, they can hit speeds over 30kmph in water.
Beluga Whale
As you travel on your ship, you may come across a pod of belugas.
These magnificent mammals delight adventurers with their playful nature, chirps, and squeaks as they journey joyfully in social packs.
These are just five of the many enthralling creatures you could see on your adventure to the arctic.
If you’re fortunate, you may also see musk oxen, murres, and many different sea creatures.