Many species of animals live in Norway. Animal habitats in Norway include mountains, forests and water. Some of Norway's animals live in the Arctic Circle.
Norwegian animals living in the mountains include wild reindeer, stoats and lemmings. The reindeer live on the Hardangervidda mountain plateau and in the adjacent mountains.
Stoats are also called short tailed weasels or
ermines. These small animals grow heavy fur in the winter to protect them from the cold. An adult stoat is about 10 inches long.
Norway lemmings hibernate under the snow in the winter. The lemming population in Norway increases greatly every several years. Many of the lemmings die when the population reaches a very high level. The cycle then begins over again.
Norwegian Forest Cats, European Moose and squirrels live in the forests. The Norwegian Forest Cats are native to Norway. They may be descendants of shorthaired domestic cats brought to Norway by the Vikings. These cats have adapted to Norway's cold winters by growing thick coats.
The European Moose are native to Norway. They are also referred to as elks. These animals may weigh up to 1700 pounds.
Norwegian squirrels are red during the warmer months. Their fur turns grayish white during the winter.
Minke whales are one of Norway's large marine animal species. They can weigh as much as six tons and can grow up to 10 feet long.
Polar bears and arctic foxes live in the Arctic Circle. Polar bears can grow up to 10 feet tall and weigh as much as 1500 pounds. They are native to Norway.
The arctic foxes are also native to Norway. Their fur is white during the winter and changes to brown during the summer.
Norway's animals have been able to adapt to survive during cold winters.