Winter Animal Athletes

You may have some incredible human athletes on your TV right now, but how about these wild athletes?!

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Penguins

Skeleton bob-ing down slopes and launching their streamlined bodies into the water, these Adelie penguins are perfectly aerodynamic. No need for lycra here. Get a group together and we might have a bobsleigh team on our hands.
Ptarmigan

The ptarmigan has snowshoes for staying above the powder - head and shoulders above the other animal athletes. Ptarmigans have extra feathery feet that grip the snow and provide a larger surface area. Perfect for those cross-country courses!
Snowshoe Hare

Another one with cross-country snowshoes! Snowshoe hares have wide, hairy paws that provide excellent traction for getting ahead of pursuing athletes, like mountain lions.
Snow Leopard

Too bulky to really utilise snowshoe-adaptations, this snow leopard uses power and agility in the downhill and cross country, capturing its prey with speed, not stamina.
Japanese Crane

Just like figure skaters, Japanese cranes dance in the wintery snows of Japan during their courtship rituals. It really is a beautiful sight.
Snowy Owl

No need for a clear day in this pursuit, snowy owls can hear their rodent prey scurrying around underneath the ice!
Red Fox

This red fox has got the right body posture for the long jump, next time perhaps a bigger run up, or a slope will get better results!
Orca

Sorry, killer whale, I'm afraid there's no high jump event.
Wood Frog

Not an necessarily an athlete, but one that can certainly withstand the cold - the North American wood frog can freeze solid! Check him and out and many more in David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities.

© Tim Shepherd ® Humble Bee Films

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Penguins

Ptarmigan

Snowshoe Hare

Snow Leopard

Japanese Crane

Snowy Owl

Red Fox

Orca

Wood Frog