Everyone can name two animals that live in polar regions: penguins and polar bears. But these animals can only meet in zoos, because polar bears live in the Arctic, while penguins live in areas south of the equator, ranging from the Galapagos Islands to Antarctica.

Here are some quick facts about other animals that live in the Arctic.

Polar bears

• Have white fur that helps them blend with their surroundings
• Have black skin under their fur to help absorb heat
• Live on the ice and are excellent swimmers
• Have a thick layer of blubber for warmth
• Have four broad, furry feet that act like snowshoes

• Are found in treeless coastal areas of the Arctic.
• Pups are born in dens. Litters average seven pups but may have as many as 15.
• Weigh six to ten pounds and average 43 inches in length — 15 inches of that is tail
• Begin to shed their long winter fur in early April. By November, their thick fur is back.
• Eat lemmings, voles, berries, eggs and scavenge on the remains of other animals

Moose

• Are the world’s largest members of the deer family.
• Live in the northern forests and eat willow, birch, and aspen twigs, as well as pond weeds and grasses.
• Newborn calves weigh 28–35 pounds and within 5 months grow to over 300 pounds.
• Males, or bulls, have antlers. They are shed mostly in December and January.
• Are hunted by wolves and black and brown bears.