Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How do Arctic animals survive the freezing winter temperatures?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Arctic animals survive freezing winter temperatures through a variety of adaptations. Many mammals, such as the Arctic fox and Peary caribou, change their fur color to white for camouflage and potentially better insulation. Animals like the polar bear have thick layers of fat and specialized fur to conserve heat. Small mammals like lemmings remain active under the snow, feeding on vegetation. Birds and many other animals are migratory, leaving the Arctic during the coldest months. Reptiles and amphibians are absent due to the lack of frost-free refuges, though some, like the wood frog, can survive freezing by altering their body chemistry.1234567