Arctic Fox
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Easily identified by its beautiful white winter coat, the arctic fox is a small species of fox adapted to one of the coldest places on earth: the far reaches of the northern hemisphere.
Fast Facts
Size: Arctic foxes can range from 2.3 to 3.5 feet (.76 - 1.1m) in length, in addition to their 12-inch (.3m) tail. At the shoulder, they stand around 9 inches to 12 inches (.2 - .3m) tall.
Weight: Arctic foxes range from 6.5 to 21 lbs (2.9 - 95kg). Female arctic foxes tend to be smaller than males.
Lifespan: Usually around 3 to 6 years.
To live in such a cold place, arctic foxes have several adaptations that allow them to survive. Their round, compact bodies minimize surface area that is exposed to the cold air. Its muzzle, ears, and legs are short, which also conserves heat.
Of course, the defining feature of the arctic fox fox is their deep, thick fur which allows them to maintain a consistent body temperature. Arctic foxes also have thick fur on their paws, which allows it to walk on both snow and ice.
Diet
Lemmings are the staple food for arctic foxes. However, they are quite opportunisitic, and will eat whatever is available out on the frozen tundra, even if it means scavenging leftovers from other predators, such as polar bears!
Population
Arctic fox populations range in the hundred thousands, but fluctuate with the available lemming population.
Range
The arctic fox is found throughout the entire Arctic tundra, through Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Russia, Norway, Scandanavia, and even Iceland, where it is the only native land mammal. See an arctic fox range map >>
Behavior
The tundra is not an easy place to live. It is barren, rocky, and without much vegetation. Arctic foxes are extremely well adapted to their frigid homes, and have secured a niche where they make the best out of almost any situation.
Did You Know?
Arctic foxes change the color of their fur with the seasons. In winter they are white to blend in with the snow, while in the summer they change to brown!
One of the most unique and interesting behaviors of arctic foxes is how they hunt. They have incredible hearing, aided by their wide, front-facing ears, which allow them to locate the precise position of their prey beneath the snow.
When the arctic fox hears its next meal under the snowpack, it leaps into the air and pounces, breaking through the layer of snow right onto the prey beneath.
Reproduction
Mating season for arctic foxes usually lasts from early September to early May. Litters are usually between 5-9 pups, though much larger litters aren't uncommon. Arctic foxes usually mate for life, and both mother and father help raise the pups.
Global Warming and Other Threats
Defenders at Work
Defenders of Wildlife strongly supports the passage of national legislation that takes immediate steps to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address the root cause of climate change.
At the same time, Defenders is advancing legislation to help reduce the impacts global warming will have - and in many cases is already having - on habitat and wildlife like the arctic fox. Learn more >>
In addition to being prime targets of the fur trade, some arctic fox populations have also fallen victim to diseases spread from domestic dogs.
Also, the arctic fox is losing ground to the larger red fox. As their name suggests, arctic foxes are specially adapted to thrive in the cold winters and thick snows of the far north.
Where conditions are less extreme, however, this highly specialized species is generally out-competed by its cousin, the more adaptable red fox.
As global warming takes its toll and the snow-line continues to recede further and further north, the range of the arctic fox shrinks, too, giving way to the northward advance of the red fox.
How You Can Help
- Help arctic foxes and other wildlife by adopting an arctic fox today at our Wildlife Adoption Center.
- Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.
