Animals That Live in the North and South Poles

The polar regions—the Arctic (North Pole) and the Antarctic (South Pole)—are some of the most extreme and inhospitable places on Earth for humans. Temperatures are freezing, vegetation is scarce, and survival is extremely difficult. Yet, despite these harsh conditions, a remarkable variety of animals have adapted perfectly to life in these frozen worlds.

So, what kinds of animals live in the North Pole and the South Pole? Let’s explore the fascinating species of each region, and also highlight the main differences between these two ecosystems.

Key Differences Between the North and South Poles

Although both poles are icy and extremely cold, there are fundamental differences:

• Location: The North Pole lies at the northernmost point of Earth, while the South Pole lies at the southernmost point.

• Geography: The North Pole is covered by the Arctic Ocean, a floating sheet of sea ice, while the South Pole lies on the Antarctic continent, a massive landmass buried under ice.

• Temperature: The South Pole is much colder. Even in its “summer” months, average temperatures can drop to -25°C (-13°F), making survival far tougher than in the Arctic.

• Habitability: The Arctic supports more biodiversity because it has tundra, land, and ocean. The Antarctic is mostly ice and rock, with life concentrated in the ocean and coastal zones.

• Species distribution: Polar bears live only in the Arctic, while penguins live only in the Antarctic. They do not coexist in nature—despite what cartoons or movies sometimes suggest.

Animals of the North Pole (Arctic)

The Arctic hosts a wider variety of wildlife than the Antarctic. Species here rely on the sea ice, tundra, and surrounding waters for food and survival.

Mammals & Marine Animals

• Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) – The Arctic’s top predator, specializing in hunting seals.

• Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) – Recognizable by its long tusks and blubber, which help it survive in icy waters.

• Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) – A white whale often seen in Arctic seas.

• Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) – Known as the “unicorn of the sea” for its long spiral tusk.

• Seals (family Phocidae) – The main prey of polar bears.

• Caribou/Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) – Herbivores that migrate long distances across tundra landscapes.

• Musk Ox (Ovibos moschatus) – Large, woolly herbivores that form protective herds.

Land Animals

• Arctic Fox (Alopex lagopus) – Has a fur coat that changes color with the seasons for camouflage.

• Arctic Wolf (Canis lupus arctos) – Hunts in packs, well adapted to the cold.

• Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus) – White-furred herbivore adapted to snow camouflage.

Birds & Others

• Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) – Iconic white-feathered predator.

• Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) – Famous for its migration from the Arctic to the Antarctic each year.

• Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata) – One of the largest jellyfish species in the world.

 Learn more: Endangered Animals of the Arctic.

Animals of the South Pole (Antarctic)

Unlike the Arctic, Antarctica’s life is concentrated in its surrounding Southern Ocean. Most species depend on krill and marine food chains.

Birds

• Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae)

• Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) – The only penguin to breed during the harsh Antarctic winter.

• South Polar Skua (Catharacta skua) – A predatory seabird.

• Cape Petrel (Daption capense) – A striking black-and-white petrel.

• Dominican Gull (Larus dominicanus)

• Sheathbill (Chionis alba) – One of the few land birds of Antarctica.

• Albatrosses – Known for massive wingspans and long-distance flight.

Marine Mammals

• Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) – Can dive deep under sea ice.

• Crabeater Seal (Lobodon carcinophagus) – Despite its name, it feeds mainly on krill.

• Ross Seal (Ommatophoca rossii) – The rarest of Antarctic seals.

• Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) – Fierce predator, known to prey on penguins.

• Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella)

• Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) – The world’s largest seal, with males weighing several tons.

Migratory Whales

Many whales are seasonal visitors to Antarctic waters, feeding during the summer:

• Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)

• Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

• Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)

• Orca/Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)

• Southern Bottlenose Whale (Hyperoodon planifrons)

 Related: Where Whales Live and What They Eat.

Summary

• Arctic (North Pole): More diverse wildlife—polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes, musk oxen, seals, whales, and seabirds.

• Antarctic (South Pole): Dominated by penguins, seals, and seabirds; whales are seasonal migrants.

• Main Difference: Polar bears live only in the Arctic, penguins live only in the Antarctic.

 Recommended further reading:

• Flora and Fauna of Antarctica

• Polar Ecosystems: Climate, Flora, and Fauna

• Animals of the Antarctic

animal tags： polar animals