The subarctic is home to many varieties of big and small animals. Some of the small animals may include beaver, snowshoe hares, and river otters. The smallest animals that live in this region are mice, rats, lemmings, and squirrels. During the coldest months of winter most of the animals hibernate or migrate. The thick furs on these animals help them make it through the winter.
` Because of the cold weather, the subsoil is permanently frozen. The summer sun only warms up 3 to 12 feet of soil. This means the surface cannot drain the water, so during the summer months, swamp and bog conditions form. Mosquitos and black flies make these areas their home.
This area is not very populated with humans. The soil in this region limits the agriculture opportunities and makes the cropping season short. The main crops raised in this climate are potatoes and hardy grain. The population supports itself by fishing, logging, mining, and trapping animals. Animals in the cold climate tend to grow heavy fur pelts, so trapping is one of the most important occupations.
The subarctic region is home to many herds of migrating animals. Caribou, elk, mountain goats and many more types of animals have adapted to the harsh climates. These animals fur form insulating layers to keep them warm in the winter. Due to these climates animals learn to eat not just the grass, but berries, brush, tree bark, small fruits, and mushrooms.
Most tress are xerophytic in this region. The tress have adapted to the dry weather conditions by developing special features. One feature is that they develop a way to retain water. A vast needle-leaf type of forest called the taiga is found in this region. The taiga only contains few tree species, including willow trees and jack pines. Mosses and lichens are the most common form of meager vegetation on the shaded side of the forest floor.