Which animals live in the barren lands north and east of the Northwest Territories timberline?

The region north and east of the timberline in the Northwest Territories, often referred to as the Barren Grounds, supports a specialized range of wildlife adapted to the tundra environment.

Mammals

The primary herbivores inhabiting these lands include caribou, musk oxen, Arctic hares, and lemmings. These species serve as prey for land predators such as wolves, wolverines, and both red and Arctic foxes. While polar bears are primarily associated with sea ice and coastal areas, they may occasionally be found on land to den or forage.1234

Birds

While many birds migrate to the tundra during the summer to nest—including the snow goose and Canada goose—only a few species remain year-round. Resident birds include the snowy owl, gyrfalcon, ptarmigan, and raven. Additionally, various raptors such as peregrine falcons and jaegers nest in the region during the breeding season.143