Snowy owlbear

Snowy owlbears, also known as arctic owlbears and polar owlbears, were a kind of owlbear native to arctic regions. Similarly to their cousins from more temperate climes, they looked like hybrids of snowy owls and polar bears.

Description
Much like regular owlbears, these were monstrous beasts with the bodies of bears covered in thick shaggy coats of both fur and feathers, both of a snowy white hue. Their heads were rounded and avian, like those of owls, with large round forward-facing eyes that glowed yellow. Both their beaks and claws were black. A fully grown specimen stood high.

Behavior
Little more intelligent than most animals, snowy owlbears were, like their forest kin, aggressive and obstinate and famous for their ferocity and foul temper. They would go so far as to attack almost anything that moved on sight and without any provocation. They hunted so heavily because of their insatiable appetites, more than that of a giant owl and a bear combined. A hungry owlbear feared nothing, not even superior strength and size, and was not discouraged by any obstacle or impediment, and with little instinct for self-preservation, it would fight to the death. The people of polar regions swore that were nothing worse than having an arctic owlbear hunting on one's trail.

Arctic owlbears were known to be diurnal and hunted largely during the day, in contrast to regular owlbears, which could be wholly or partly nocturnal.

Owlbears communicated via hooting and screeching, at high volume and with a range of pitches and durations. They hooted or screeched to signal their territory, to drive prey into their hunting grounds and to attract a mate.

Arctic owlbears were entirely carnivorous. While they would prey on any kind of creature, they favored seal most of all, and as they were capable swimmers, they would not stop to chase such prey into ice-cold waters.

Abilities
A snowy owlbear naturally had a bear's keen sense of scent as well as an owl's sharp eyesight for finding prey in the dark, with specimens even reported to possess darkvision.

The multiple layers of fur and feathers in an arctic owlbear's coat protected it from the cold, even when wet. Moreover, it was immune to magical cold and other frigid effects, though not to other kinds of magic. Moreover, their pure-white coloration meant they had good camouflage in arctic environments, greatly aiding them in ambushes.

Furthermore, an arctic owlbear's paws had rough leathery pads, which helped it remain stable on slippery ice.

Combat
Snowy owlbears fought much like standard owlbears, although their superior ability to blend into their environment, thanks to their white fur and feathers, made them more successful at ambushing prey.

Ecology
Snowy owlbears generally laired in natural caves or dens dug out of snowbanks. Their clutches consisted of up to six eggs, and both parents cared for their young well past infancy.

Unlike their cousins, snowy owlbears were primarily diurnal. They were noted to be extremely determined hunters, and would pursue their prey even into the freezing cold water.

Habitats
These creatures lived in the wilds of Icewind Dale.

History
Even in the mid–14 century DR, arctic owlbears were still only a subject of rumor and speculation. No specimens had ever been caught to verify their existence.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
 * Video games
 * Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms
 * Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
 * In Dire Need