The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), commonly known as the white fox, polar fox, or snow fox, is a tiny fox found in the Arctic tundra biome of the Northern Hemisphere. It has evolved effectively to life in frigid climates and is most recognized for its thick, insulating fur that also serves as concealment. It has an extremely long and fluffy tail. Most animals in the wild do not live past their first year, however some are extraordinary and live for up to 11 years. It has a body length of 46 to 68 cm (18 to 27 in) and a typically spherical body shape to prevent body heat from escaping.

Lemmings, voles, ringed seal pups, salmon, ducks, and seabirds are among the tiny animals that the Arctic fox preys on. Carrion, berries, seaweed, insects, and other tiny invertebrates are also eaten. During the mating season, Arctic foxes establish monogamous pairs and stay together to raise their young in intricate subterranean dens. Other family members may occasionally aid in the rearing of their children. Golden eagles, polar bears, wolverines, red foxes, wolves, and grizzly bears are natural predators of the Arctic fox.

The temperature differential between the exterior environment and the interior core temperature of Arctic foxes can be as high as 90–100 °C (160–180 °F). The Arctic fox curls up closely, tucking its legs and head beneath its body and behind its hairy tail to minimize heat loss. This posture allows the fox to defend the least insulated parts by having the smallest surface area to volume ratio. Arctic foxes keep warm by hunkering down in their burrows, away from the wind. Although Arctic foxes are active all year and do not hibernate, they reduce their locomotor activity to conserve fat. In the fall, they build up their fat reserves, often increasing their body weight by more than 50%. This provides better winter insulation as well as a source of energy when food is short.

Reproduction

In the spring, the Arctic fox’s focus shifts to breeding and finding a suitable habitat for their pups. They dwell in huge dens in slightly elevated, frost-free ground. Eskers, lengthy ridges of sedimentary material deposited in once glaciated areas, are typically home to intricate networks of tunnels reaching up to 1,000 m2 (1,200 sq yd). These dens may have been in use for decades and by several generations of foxes.

Arctic fox pups with the summer morph

Arctic foxes like dens that are easily accessible, have several entrances, and are free of snow and ice, making it simpler for them to burrow in. The Arctic fox constructs and picks dens that face southern toward the sun, keeping the den warm. When red foxes are present, Arctic foxes prefer huge, maze-like dens for predator avoidance and rapid escape. Natal dens are usually situated in rough terrain, which may offer the pups with additional safety. However, in order to escape predators, the parents will move the litters to adjacent dens. When there are no red foxes in the area, Arctic foxes will utilize the red foxes’ old dens. The Arctic fox values shelter quality over the proximity of spring prey to a den.

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