Found throughout the harsh tundra of North America, the Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) is a large relative of the rabbit known for its long legs and shortened, black-tipped ears. Perhaps most recognizable in its white winter coloration, the Arctic hare presents a steel-gray coat in summer, which helps it blend into the rocky landscape after the spring thaw. Birthing a litter of two to eight young, it is an abundant species and is the preferred prey of arctic wolves and snowy owls.
From North America to Eurasia, the Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) thrives throughout the circumpolar tundra region. Small and crafty, the species is best known as a scavenger benefiting from the leavings of larger predators such as polar bears and wolves, although they are effective hunters and often feed on lemmings. The thick, double-layered coat of the Arctic fox is among its most effective adaptations, because of its insulating properties and its ability to change color according to the season. Bluish-gray in summer, its coat becomes solid white in winter to aid in hunting wary prey, as well as to camouflage itself from hungry predators.
Native to northerly regions across the globe, the stoat (Mustela erminea) is a small member of the weasel family known for its long, slender body and sinuous movements. Also known as the ermine, the two common names of the species are applied according to its seasonal coat coloration, with the term "stoat" applying to its brown summertime coat and "ermine" used to describe it in its white winter form. This species is identifiable by its black-tipped tail, which is present during all times of the year.
The northern collared lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) thrives in the tundra region of Alaska, Canada and Greenland in areas of abundant summertime vegetation. Small and with drab coloration, this species is among the few members of the rodent family to undergo seasonal changes in color, from brownish-gray in summer to white in winter.
A small, sedentary bird species found across the Arctic, the rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) is among the few Arctic bird species to undergo seasonal color changes. Brownish-gray during the summer, rock ptarmigans camouflage themselves in winter with pure white plumage. Long hunted by humans, this species is now protected throughout most of its range.
One of the only deer species to undergo a seasonal color change, the Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) is also the smallest species of caribou, found in the most northerly Arctic region of Canada. Steel-gray in summer, this species shifts to solid white in winter to protect it from predators. Critically endangered throughout their range, Peary caribous suffer from lack of food due to a decline in the Arctic ice pack.
