Skis and snowshoes were first invented to cross wetlands and marshes in the winter when they froze over.

BBC: Where did skiing come from?

About 20 birds have already died of hunger after the Caspian Sea froze over, local government spokesman Arslan Dydymov told the Associated Press.

BBC: Trapped Dalmatian pelicans hand-fed in frozen Caspian Sea

The part of the bay near Inukjuak, which has about 1, 500 residents, only froze over in the past few days, the mayor said.

CNN: Canadians rush to save 11 trapped killer whales

He started to fall again, caught himself, froze in a hunched-over position, hurtled forward, fell flat on his face, chucked his chin on a root.

NEWYORKER: Tenth of December

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez froze diplomatic relations with Bogota in July last year over the issue of US military bases in Colombia.

BBC: Colombia accuses Venezuela of harbouring rebel groups