Arctic fox

Arctic Fox

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), also known as the white fox, polar fox, or snow fox, is a small fox native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and common throughout the Arctic tundra biome. It is well adapted to living in cold environments, and is best known for its thick, warm fur that is also used as camouflage.

Description

The Arctic fox has an adaptive fur that changes color with the seasons for camouflage. In the winter, they are white to blend in with the snow, while in the summer they change to a brown or grey to blend in with the tundra's rocks and plants.

Distribution and habitat

The Arctic fox is found in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and Svalbard. Its habitat ranges from the edge of the forest tundra to the sea ice.

Behavior

Arctic foxes are primarily solitary animals living in small family groups. They are opportunistic feeders, eating practically any animal, alive or dead. They have been observed to follow polar bears to eat the leftover kill.

Reproduction

Arctic foxes generally mate in early April and give birth to a litter of 6–19 pups in June. Both the mother and father help to raise the offspring.

Conservation status

The Arctic fox is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, it faces threats from climate change as the snow and ice it relies on for hunting and denning diminishes.

See also

• Red fox
• Fennec fox
• List of mammals of Greenland

External links

• IUCN Red List entry
• Nature article on Arctic fox