ExploreMammal

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

Arctic foxes live in cold, snowy places and have thick white fur in winter. They are excellent hunters and can survive extreme cold.

Habitat: Arctic tundra.

Appearance

The Arctic Fox is a small, dog-like mammal with short legs, a compact body, and a very bushy tail. It famously changes its coat from a dense white in winter to a thinner brown or gray-blue in summer, providing excellent camouflage. Its small, rounded ears and short muzzle reduce heat loss.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyCanidaeGenusVulpes
Arctic Fox
wildlife trait badgefurry trait badgethermoregulating trait badgetundra trait badge
Arctic Fox

Category

Mammal

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5

Snaps

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Interesting facts

An Arctic fox's fur is so warm, it won't shiver until -70°C!

Arctic foxes can travel huge distances, sometimes over 2,000 miles, to find food!

They dig complex dens with many entrances, used for centuries by fox families!

When food is plentiful, foxes bury extra prey in snow for frozen pantries!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Camouflage

Arctic Fox can change its fur color from white to brown with the seasons, helping them blend perfectly into their changing environment.

Ability

Frostproof Fur

Arctic Fox has incredibly thick, insulating fur that helps them stay warm and survive in temperatures as low as -50°C.

Ability

Under-Snow Hearing

Arctic Fox can hear tiny prey moving under thick layers of snow, which helps them pounce and catch food even when it's hidden.

Ability

Warm Tail Blanket

Arctic Fox uses its long, bushy tail to wrap around its body like a blanket, keeping them warm and protected during cold arctic nights.

Measurements & details

Length
46-68 cm
Weight
2.9-9 kg
Lifespan
3-6 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Litter Size
5-16
Gestation
52-54 days

Diet & Feeding

They are agile hunters that mainly eat small animals, birds, and eggs, but will also scavenge.

Primary Foods

  • Lemmings
  • Voles
  • Arctic Hares
  • Ptarmigan
  • Seabird Eggs
  • Carrion

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Norway Lemming

Lemmus lemmus

A primary food source, especially in winter.

hunts

Willow Ptarmigan

Lagopus lagopus

Preys on these birds and their eggs.

depends on

Polar Bear

Ursus maritimus

Scavenges leftovers from bear kills.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Larger red foxes can predate them.

Traits

Also known as

Polar FoxWhite Fox

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5

Do not approach — wild animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Arctic Fox?

46-68 cm

How much does Arctic Fox weigh?

2.9-9 kg

How long does Arctic Fox live?

3-6 years

How fast can Arctic Fox move?

50 km/h

What does Arctic Fox eat?

They are agile hunters that mainly eat small animals, birds, and eggs, but will also scavenge.

Where is Arctic Fox usually found?

Arctic tundra.

How does Arctic Fox hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Arctic Fox usually have?

5-16

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