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Arctic Fox
(Alopex
lagopus)
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Introduction
Who are the arctic
foxes?
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The arctic fox (Alopex lagopus), also known as the polar
fox, is a small fox native to cold Arctic regions of the Northern
Hemisphere. It is common in all three tundra biomes. The arctic
fox has smaller, more rounded ears, a more rounded braincase, and a
slightly shorter and broader muzzle than the red fox. |
Habitat
Where do arctic foxes live?
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Arctic foxes live in Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
The foxes are found in Greenland and Iceland. They are typically found in tundra near the coastal line. |
Classification
Are arctic foxes related to wolves?
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The Arctic fox is a member of the dog family.
Although some authorities have suggested placing it in the
genus Vulpes, it has long been considered the sole
member of the genus Alopex. Arctic foxes are related
to wolves. An arctic fox is also classified a
-1 pointer
in Z-game.
Here's the complete arctic fox classification:
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Canidae
Genus Alopex
Species A. lagopus |
Color
What is the color of arctic foxes?
Do arctic foxes change color in summer?
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Arctic foxes can be both gray-blue or white. The blue coloration is not as
common as white. The young of each color may occur in the same litter.
For the most part
Arctic foxes are snow-white in winter. During summer they become
gray-brown, sometimes they can be chocolate-brown or bluish.
Russian Arctic Fox is a subspecies that never turns white. Read more at
the Animals of
Kamchatka page. |
Features
How does an arctic fox look like?
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The arctic fox has the warmest fur of any mammal including the polar bear.
This fox weighs about six to ten pounds. The arctic fox measures 75 and
115 cm in length. The arctic fox's adaptation to its subzero climate
includes a compact body with short legs, thick fur, and densely
haired foot pads, which insulate the fox from the cold and provide
traction on ice.
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Communication
How do arctic foxes communicate with each other?
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Arctic fox communicate by barking. They rarely communicate with each other
except during mating season. |
Population
How much
arctic foxes are there?
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The Arctic fox's endangered level is At No
Concern. |
How fast can
arctic foxes move?
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The arctic fox and red fox run at
about 30 mph. Arctic fox can skid on ice too. |
Food
What do arctic foxes eat?
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Arctic foxes are omnivores. The arctic fox will generally eat
any meat it can find, including
lemmings,
Arctic Hares,
birds and their
eggs, and
carrion. Lemmings are the most common prey. Arctic fox
can also eat lemmings that they can't see beneath the snow.
A family of foxes can eat dozens of lemmings each day.
During April and May the arctic fox also preys on
ringed seal pups when the young animals are confined to
a snow den and are relatively helpless. When its normal prey
is scarce, the arctic fox scavenges the leftovers of larger
predators, such as polar bears, even though the bears' prey
includes the arctic fox itself.
Ukaliq
site
shows a video of an arctic fox chasing an arctic hare (no
success!) |
Predators
What are some of arctic foxes enemies?
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Arctic fox don't really have any other than enemies except
human hunters. A polar bear though can attack the common
arctic fox. |
Babies
When are arctic
fox born?
What happens after they are born?
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Mating occurs between early March and early April. Gestation
period lasts
52 days. Litters average seven pups but may contain as many
as 15 pups! Both parent foxes care for the young. |
Interesting Facts
What are some
facts about arctic fox?
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An arctic fox can catch small rodents and lemmings under the
snow with their claws and great hearing. There is a video
game called arcticfox, though it is about aliens invading
Antarctica, not this precious organism! The life span of an
arctic fox is about 12 years. Unlike A lot of fascinating
animals, the arctic fox Is not at all endangered. |
Behavior
How does an
arctic fox behave in the wild?
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The arctic fox is nomadic, it moves from place to place
looking for food. In the summer they live in family groups
made up of a male, one or two females and the kits. The
second female is a leftover kit from the year before, she
doesn't breed. She helps care for the young. |
Other names
What other names of arctic
fox?
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Other Names for the arctic fox are Polar fox, white fox,
Swipper the fox (Dora painted him), and (Alopex
lagopus). |
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Last updated-8/3/07
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