Copy of Tundra

Polar Bears

Diet: seals; sometimes walruses; occasionally carcasses of whales

Size: largest land mammals on Earth; males can be 700-1400 lbs and 8-10 ft tall; females are slightly smaller- 350-700 lbs

Adaptations: hairs are translucent and clear; skin is black; coat & skin are designed to absorb sunlight and retain heat; short ears

Reproduction: give birth every 2-3 years; mating season in the spring; give birth in winter; litter of 1-2 cubs

Musk Ox

Adaptations: live in herds; outer coat- long, brown hair; inner coat- wool; horns; glands that produce a strong, musky odor

Reproduction: season- late summer to early fall; 1 calf in the spring; males compete for dominance over a harem of females

Predators: wolves and bears

Diet: vegetarian; willow shoots, grasses, shrubs, and lichen

Size: 6-7.5 feet tall; 400-900 lbs; shoulder height of 4-5 feet;

Rock Ptarmigan

Adaptations: change color - brown spots in summer, white in winter; males have red comb over eyes;

Reproduction: females lay between 6-10 eggs; incubation of 3 weeks; male leaves female during incubation; chicks get fledgling in 10-12 days

Predators: hawks, eagles, owls, foxes

Diet: leaves, flowers, berries, buds, twigs; chicks will feed on insects

Size: 12-16 inches

Caribou/ Reindeer

Diet: summer- vegetation (willow leaves); winter - dig through snow to get moss/ lichen

Size: female - 180-200 lbs; males - 400-600 lbs; 35-55 inches at shoulder

Adaptations: wide hooves- help when walking on mud & snow, help caribou swim & dig; migrate; thick fur and skin; shed their antlers; live in herds

Reproduction: mating season (rut) in fall; females give birth in spring; one calf

Predators: golden eagle - preys on calves; grizzly bears; wolves

Snowy Owl

Diet: small rodents (lemmings and voles); rabbits; other birds (ptarmigans); eggs of larger birds

Size: 1.75-2 feet in length; 4.5-5.5 foot wingspan;

Adaptations: can move heads 270 degrees both directions; thick layer of feathers on body and feet; keen eyes; great hearing

Reproduction: mating season - April-June; clutch - 2-14 eggs; 4-5 weeks until they hatch; male & female will tend to the nest before the chicks leave

Arctic Hare

Diet: buds, berries, twigs, mosses, woody plants,

Size: length - 20-26 inches; 8-14 lbs

Adaptations: color change; large hind feet allow them to move quickly through snow; claws help them dig through snow; sometimes forage shelters in snow to protect against bitter cold

Reproduction: mate in early spring; give birth in June-July

Predators: arctic wolves, foxes, and ermines