An arctic fox photographed at Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo in Kansas

P H OTO G R A P H BY J O E L S A RTO R E , N AT I O N A L G E O G R A P H I C P H OTO A R K

ANIMALS P H OTO A R K

Arctic Fox

COMMON NAME: Arctic foxes

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Vulpes lagopus

TYPE: Mammals

DIET: Omnivore

GROUP NAME: Skulk, leash

AV E R A G E L I F E S P A N I N T H E W I L D : 3 to 6 years

SIZE: Head and body: 18 to 26.75 inches; tail: up to 13.75

inches

WEIGHT: 6.5 to 17 pounds

S I Z E R E L AT I V E T O A 6 - F T M A N :

I U C N R E D L I S T S TAT U S : ? Least concern

LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

LEAST CONCERN EXTINCT

C U R R E N T P O P U L A T I O N T R E N D : Stable

The arctic fox is an incredibly hardy animal that can survive frigid Arctic
temperatures as low as –58°F in the treeless lands where it makes its
home. It has furry soles, short ears, and a short muzzle—all-important
adaptations to the chilly clime. Arctic foxes live in burrows, and in a
blizzard they may tunnel into the snow to create shelter.

Arctic Adaptations
Arctic foxes have beautiful white (sometimes blue-gray) coats that act as
very effective winter camouflage. The natural hues allow the animal to
blend into the tundra's ubiquitous snow and ice. When the seasons change,
the fox's coat turns as well, adopting a brown or gray appearance that
provides cover among the summer tundra's rocks and plants.

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These colorings help foxes to effectively hunt rodents, birds, and even fish. ADVERTISEMENT

But in winter prey can be scarce on the ground. At such times, arctic foxes
will follow the region's premier predator—a polar bear—to eat the leftover
scraps from its kills. Foxes will also eat vegetables when they are available.

Like a cat's, this fox's thick tail aids its balance. But for an arctic fox the tail
(or “brush”) is especially useful as warm cover in cold weather.

Female arctic foxes give birth each spring to a large litter of up to 14 pups.

This video is either unavailable or not supported in this browser

9:15

WAT C H : P H O T O G R A P H E R C A P T U R E S S T U N N I N G A R C T I C
WILDLIFE
Go on a journey to the frozen north with wildlife photographer Vincent Munier. Spotlighting
foxes, wolves, hares, owls, and even a polar bear, these photographs capture the beauty of the
Arctic.

RANDYNEUFELDT

5 / 16

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