Arctic fox
The Arctic fox, also known as the polar fox, blue fox, or white fox, is a small mammal that thrives in the frigid environments of the Arctic tundra and coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Adapted for extreme cold, these foxes have thick fur that allows them to withstand temperatures as low as 112 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (-80 degrees Celsius). Their fur color varies with the seasons, changing from white or gray-blue in winter to shades of brown in summer, which aids in camouflage against the snowy landscape.
Arctic foxes are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, eggs, carrion, and in warmer months, fruits and berries. They have natural predators such as polar bears and wolves. Socially, Arctic foxes are territorial and often live in family groups, sharing responsibilities in raising their young. Mating occurs in spring, with females giving birth to an average of six cubs after a gestation period of about 52 days. These cubs become independent in the fall and can mate by their first year. While their lifespan ranges from three to six years, Arctic foxes are currently not considered a threatened species.
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Arctic fox
Arctic foxes are able to live where it is very cold in the very northern regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They have fur to keep them warm when it is 100 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (73 degrees below zero Celsius). They are also called polar foxes, blue foxes, and white foxes.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Vulpes
Species: Lagopus
Arctic foxes live in the tundra and coastal regions of the Arctic, where it is very, very cold. They have very thick coats to keep them warm. They only begin to shiver when it is 94 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (70 degrees below zero Celsius) and are able to survive temperatures as low as 112 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (80 degrees below zero Celsius). Some foxes have blue gray coats and others have white coats. Those which are blue gray in the winter change to chocolate brown in the summer. Those which are white in the winter change to gray brown in the summer. Arctic foxes are around 18 to 27 inches (46 to 68 centimeters) long and about a foot (30 centimeters) tall at the shoulder. Their tails are around one foot (30 centimeters) long. They can weigh between three and 20 pounds (1 1/2 and 9 1/2 kilograms).
Arctic foxes are omnivores, or animals that eat both plants and meat. They will eat a wide variety of foods. Arctic foxes stalk and pounce upon their prey. They eat small mammals, such as voles, lemmings, hares, and ground squirrels. They also eat birds, eggs, and carrion (dead animals). Some foxes which live nearer to the water eat dead fish, shellfish, sea urchins, invertebrates (animals without skeletons), beach flies, ringed seal pups, beached seals, and whale carcasses. During the summer, the Arctic foxes also find fruit and berries to eat. Polar bears, golden eagles, wolves, and grizzly bears are the natural enemies of Arctic foxes. The foxes' white or gray-blue fur helps camouflage them during the winter. Camouflage means that they blend in with the background.
Arctic foxes live in territories, which they mark and defend from other foxes. They may live in dens and tunnels that are connected with those of other fox families. They live in dens in riverbanks, hills, and cliffs. They do not hibernate in the winter. Arctic foxes mate in early April and May. The male mates with a female from his harem (group of females). Gestation (duration of pregnancy) is around 52 days. The female gives birth to six to 19 cubs, but the average is 6. Both the male and female care for the cubs. Arctic foxes also have helpers. Helpers are other foxes in the family group that help care for and teach the young foxes. The cubs' eyes open after two weeks, and they leave the den for the first time when they are three to four weeks old. They no longer need their mothers' milk once they are nine weeks old because they are able to eat meat. They are independent in the fall and able to mate when they are one year old. The males leave the group to start their own families, and females stay with the family group.
Arctic foxes live between three and six years. They are not a threatened species.
Bibliography
“Arctic Fox - Alopex Lagopus - NatureWorks.” New Hampshire PBS, 2023, nhpbs.org/natureworks/arcticfox.htm. Accessed 13 May 2024.
Sartore, Joel, and Bjorn Anders Nymoen. “Arctic Fox.” National Geographic, 2024, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/arctic-fox. Accessed 13 May 2024.