Top five winter animals sure to keep your mind off the polar vortex...for a minute or two

Thursday, January 30, 2014, 11:54 AM -

Ask anyone living in Canada – or the United States for that matter – and they’ll tell you that summer cannot come soon enough. This year has proven to be a difficult year as a polar vortex takes hold of most of North America. Now it’s easy to become frustrated with the frigid temperatures that have you feeling like you’re on house arrest, but believe us when we say that with winter, sometimes comes beauty. 

With that said, we bring you the top five winter animals (in no particular order) that will restore your faith in the winter season:

5. Arctic Hare 

The arctic hare, also referred to as polar rabbit, is a species of the hare family which have adapted to survive in the harsh, frozen tundra. The cute little things resemble rabbits but have shorter ears, are taller when standing and can thrive in cold climates.

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4. Lynx 

This wildcat is well equipped for the winter elements. Lynx have large, padded paws for walking on snow and can grow progressively thicker fur when in colder climates.

3. Arctic fox 

The arctic fox, also known as white fox, polar fox or snow fox, is native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Their lush white coat provides them with both warmth and camouflage in winter.

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2. Siberian Tiger 

No animal countdown would be complete without one form of a tiger or another. One of three remaining species of tigers, Siberian tigers are the largest. Siberian tiger's summer and winter coats contrast sharply with other subspecies. The winter coat is denser, longer, softer, and silkier. The winter fur often appears quite shaggy on the trunk, and is markedly longer on the head, almost covering the ears.

1. Harp Seal

We dare you to look at this face and not squeal! Native to the northernmost Atlantic Ocean and other parts of the Arctic Ocean, this earless seal species uses a thick coat of blubber to help insulate its body and provide energy when food is scarce. Interesting fact: A baby harp seal can be distinguished by its mother based on its scent alone.

Didn't quench your animals thirst just yet? Be sure to check our endless animal video archive, here.