Arctic Fox
Arctic Fox Facts
| Size | Up to 21.6 inch (55 cm) |
| Speed | Up to 27.9 mph (45 km/h) |
| Weight | Up to 9.9 lb (4.5 kg) |
| Lifespan | 7 - 10 years |
| Food | Lemmings, birds, carrion, feces of polar bears |
| Predators | Arctic owls, wolves, polar bears |
| Habitat | Arctic region |
| Order | Carnivore |
| Family | Dogs |
| Scientific name | Vulpes lagopus |
| Characteristics | White winter coat, brown summer coat |
Arctic foxes are classified as foxes. The most popular foxes are of course the red fox and the Arctic fox, yet there exist 15 species altogether (such as the fennec fox, Tibetan sand fox, bat-eared fox and the gray fox etc.).
Indians Do Not Feel the Cold
The polar fox lives in the Arctic region and can survive temperatures as low as -94 degrees Fahrenheit (-70 degrees Celsius). Brrr! Even Eskimos would shiver there, because where they live, temperatures “only” reach -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) during the winter.
The coat of the Arctic fox is extremely dense, with about 70 % undercoat. The Arctic fox is wearing some “ski underwear”, so to speak.
Warm Socks
The Arctic fox has a thick coat at its paws as well to provide protection against the cold and safe walking in the loose snow.
I’m Going to Wear White Today ... or Brown?
Depending on the season, the Arctic fox changes the color of its coat. During the winter it is white as snow and during the summer, when the ice has molten in the tundra, it is greyish-brown. So he is well camouflaged throughout the year.
Large Family
Mass instead of class. When female Arctic foxes give birth, they usually have about 14 babies, hoping that at least a few of them would survive the icy cold.
It’s Nice Being With You!
Arctic foxes often follow polar bears, because they leave behind the remains of slain seals and other animals. Yet they hardly ever have conflicts with polar bears, because they always keep a safe distance.
Weird Favorite Food
In order to get at least something to eat in the inhospitable Arctic region, the Arctic fox even feeds on the feces of polar bears, because it contains large amounts of fat. Yuck.
Reproduction
The icy temperatures would make the young animals die from the cold immediately after birth. Therefore, Arctic foxes make use of warm and cozy dens with underground tunnels that are not affected by the bitingly cold permanent frost.
The babies are born after a gestation period of about 50 days. They spend the first 3 - 4 weeks in the den. By the way, couples of Arctic foxes maintain a life-long partnership, cooperate to defend their territory and take care of their offspring together.
Learn more about 9 Animals that Use Awesome Tricks to Survive the Winter
- Find out more:
- Polar Bear Facts
- Raccoon Facts
- Red Fox Facts
- Red Panda Facts
- Skunk Facts
- Walrus Facts
- Wolf Facts
- Watch now on animalfunfacts.net:
Video: How Do Animals Survive in the Arctic? - especially the Arctic fox
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