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 tusks a single tooth protrudes forwards from the centre of the bottom jaw.

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.

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 three long claws on the feet. It also has a long tail that tapers to a point, the very tip of which glows cyan.

Oddly, the Snowstalker's tongue glows the same bright cyan colour as the stripes on its head and the tip of its tail.

Behavior
The Snowstalker is capable of traversing and hunting on both land and in the sea. Its white fur allows it to camouflage in the snowy surroundings. As a mainly terrestrial predator, it likely preys on the Penglings, Pengwings, and Pinnacarids when they come up to rest on the ice. It is also able to stand upright, using its long tail as a prop to get a better view of the area around it.

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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