The polar regions located near North and South Poles are the most difficult environments on our planet. Freezing temperatures, strong winds and thick layers of snow and ice are impossible conditions for animals to live.

However, there are a few species that thrive in the Arctic and the Antarctic. What are they? How do they survive?

Did you know that polar bears aren’t actually white? Their skin is black to help them stay warm and their fur doesn't have any colour! It reflects light, so polar bears can live in their snowy environment. It’s very useful since they spend a lot of their time hunting for seals.

In late autumn, polar bears make special places to hide in the snow. They live in them during the coldest months. That’s also where they give birth to their young!

Seals have special ways to survive in the cold, too. For example, they have a thick layer of fat on their bodies. It helps them survive the cold weather. What's more, they use ice as a place to rest.

Seals like spending time with each other. Some of them create big groups so they can talk to each other using different sounds, movements and smells.

Penguins are also experts at surviving the difficult climate of the Antarctic! They have many layers of thick feathers that help keep them warm and waterproof. Some penguins have special feet as well. They never freeze.

Penguins are birds which cannot fly. They are, however, excellent swimmers and spend most of their time in the water. What's more, they can dive as deep as a half‑kilometer and stay underwater for up to 20 minutes!

Whales are the largest animals on Earth. Some whales living in polar regions can grow to be as long as three school buses.

Did you know that whales can sing? They are very intelligent animals which sing to communicate with other whales. They can travel for long distances under the water.