Snow Stalker

The Snowstalker is a large maritime predator present in Subnautica: Below Zero. It is a relative of the aquatic Stalker native to the Crater.

Appearance
The Snowstalker has a broad snout filled with long sharp teeth that stick out even when the mouth is closed, giving a snaggle-toothed appearance. Two pairs of the teeth are greatly enlarged to form tusks that protrude upwards from the bottom jaw. In addition to these two pairs of tusks, a single, smaller tusk is borne on the lower jaw, positioned in the center and pointing forwards.

On top of the head is a fin-shaped crest that appears to be a modified dorsal plate. The crest is grey in color aside from a small cyan strip towards the base that glows in the dark. Two black eyes lie behind the mouth. Oddly, the Snowstalker's tongue glows the same bright cyan color as the stripes on its head and the tip of its tail.

The animal's body is almost entirely covered in shaggy white fur, with horizontal grey stripes along the back. Areas of the body that are exposed show smooth grey skin. A row of grey, sharp dorsal plates runs from the neck to around one third of the way down the tail.

The Snowstalker has four squat limbs covered in fur, each limb ending with four long claws on the feet. Additionally, the forelimbs possess a dewclaw on the inside of the ankle. The body ends with a long tail that tapers to a point, the very tip of which glows cyan.

In size the Snowstalker is comparable to the very largest polar bears, standing around 10-11 feet (3.05-3.35 metres) on its hind legs.

Behavior
When idle the Snowstalker can be seen pacing the area and on occasion standing upright to survey its surroundings.

When the player is within distance the Snowstalker becomes highly aggressive, beginning a high speed charge towards the player and leaping at them when in range. It is not dissuaded by failed attack attempts and will continue to chase the player down immediately, not stopping until it has inflicted damage upon them.

Design
The Snowstalker's design is heavily inspired by the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), sharing its thick white fur.

The snout of the Snowstalker greatly resembles that of a crocodile, contrasting with its relative which is closer in appearance to a gharial. The broader and shorter snout design allows for greater bite force on a smaller area, useful for creatures hunting larger prey.

Its long claws also resemble the claws of anteaters.

Gallery
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