5 of winter's toughest animals

As the winter weather kicks in, many animals take the opportunity to hibernate or even escape to warmer countries so that they don't have to battle with the drop in temperature. There are however, some animals who use a combination of pure grit and determination as well as some fantastic survival techniques to power through the winter months. Today we honour five of Britain's toughest animals...

Herdwick sheep can be found in the Lake District and are one of Britain's toughest animals. They have extremely durable fleeces and they need them because they can be found grazing on the Cumbrian fells, where temperatures can drop to -10°C or less! 

Did you know...Herdwicks can survive being buried for two weeks or more in snowdrifts. Their breath creates a snow chimney and they will even eat their own wool for sustenance too.

When the temperatures plumet to minus 20°C in the Cairngorms, the icy winds blast everything in sight and very few creatures can survive. Meet the ptarmigan, who has a few tricks up its feathery sleeve! They have dense insulating plumage, a special feathered eyelid to keep out the cold and big furry feet that act like snow shoes! A true cold weather specialist!

Did you know...In the summer, the ptarmigan is a mixture of grey, brown and black but come winter time it turns almost completely white. Not only is the ptarmigan built to withstand the cold, but it also looks the part too in its special winter outfit!

The Exmoor pony has two important survival techniques for winter. Firstly, their robust digestive system means that they can stomach some of the rough vegetation that more delicate horses will ignore, including shrubs and brambles. On the outside, they grow an extra layer to their coats which can provide invaluable added warmth at this chilly time.   

Did you know...Exmoor ponies are the closest UK relatives of the original wild horses of Europe and have survived on the uplands since the last Ice Age around 10,000 years ago!

A seal’s best defence against the harsh winter conditions is its dense layer of blubber. It shields their vital organs against the cold whilst reducing heat-loss. If you thought the adult grey seal was tough, the pups are even tougher. Grey seal pups are born in Autumn, which means that they have to brave freezing temperatures from day one!

Did you know...Half of the world's population of grey seals are found around British coasts so if you like seals, you are in the right place!

Found mainly in Scotland and the North, the mountain hare is one brave bunny. Rather than take cover in a burrow, they will instead brave the winter weather from a small depression in the ground or heather known as a 'form', which helps to shield them from the wind.  

Did you know...Mountain hares aren't always white. In fact, they're usually grey-brown, but turn white in the winter to blend in with the snow and avoid predators. Now all we need is some snow...anytime now.

Which of these animals do you think is the toughest and why? Let us know in the comments below!