Drift Ice part2　流氷その２

Hokkaido is the lowest latitude place in the world where drift ice can be seen. The three main areas where you can see drift ice are Monbetsu, Abashiri, and Shiretoko, where there are many tourist facilities and activities. When the drift ice arrives, various wild animals also start to show their faces. You can see seals and Steller’s sea lions with their cute round bodies and round eyes, as well as white-tailed sea eagles and Steller’s sea eagles, both of which are national natural treasures. The clione (a type of sea-slug) known as the “angel of drift ice,” is another animal that can only be seen here.

北海道は世界で最も低い緯度で流氷が見られる場所です。流氷を見ることができる地域は紋別、網走、知床の3ヶ所が基本で、観光施設やアクティビティが充実しています。流氷がやってくると、さまざまな野生動物たちも顔を見せ始めます。丸い体にクリっとした目がキュートなアザラシやトド、国の天然記念物であるオジロワシ、オオワシなどを見られることも。また「流氷の天使」と呼ばれるクリオネも、ここでしか出会えない動物です。