The Arctic is an important habitat for many animal species. These include, for example: • Polar bears: Polar bears are the largest land predators in the world. The polar bear is officially the region's national animal. • Walruses: Walruses are native to Alaska, Svalbard and eastern Russia. A walrus can weigh over 2000 kg. • Ringed seals: The ringed seal is the most common seal species in the Arctic Ocean. Ringed seals can be seen in the northern hemisphere of the Arctic oceans. • Beluga whales: Belugas are small and very social whales. Beluga whales live in the Arctic Ocean. • Arctic foxes: The fur of polar foxes is used for camouflage. In winter the fur is white. In summer, the fur of Arctic foxes is brown. • Eskimo Dogs: Eskimo dogs are a breed of dog that was bred by the Inuit. Eskimo dogs are used as working dogs.
Of course, there are many other animal species that live in the Arctic and High Arctic, including many birds such as puffins and birds of prey.