![]() Arctic foxes prefer large, maze-like dens for predator evasion and a quick escape especially when red foxes are in the area. The Arctic fox builds and chooses dens that face southward towards the sun, which makes the den warmer. Pups of Arctic fox with summer morphĪrctic foxes tend to select dens that are easily accessible with many entrances, and that are clear from snow and ice making it easier to burrow in. These dens may be in existence for many decades and are used by many generations of foxes. These are complex systems of tunnels covering as much as 1,000 m 2 (11,000 sq ft) and are often in eskers, long ridges of sedimentary material deposited in formerly glaciated regions. They live in large dens in frost-free, slightly raised ground. In the spring, the Arctic fox's attention switches to reproduction and a home for their potential offspring. This provides greater insulation during the winter and a source of energy when food is scarce. They build up their fat reserves in the autumn, sometimes increasing their body weight by more than 50%. Although the Arctic foxes are active year-round and do not hibernate, they attempt to preserve fat by reducing their locomotor activity. Arctic foxes also stay warm by getting out of the wind and residing in their dens. ![]() This position gives the fox the smallest surface area to volume ratio and protects the least insulated areas. ![]() To prevent heat loss, the Arctic fox curls up tightly tucking its legs and head under its body and behind its furry tail. Behavior A sleeping Arctic fox with its fluffy tail wrapped around itself and over its faceĪrctic foxes must endure a temperature difference of up to 90–100 ☌ (160–180 ☏) between the external environment and their internal core temperature. Natural predators of the Arctic fox are golden eagles, Arctic wolves, polar bears, wolverines, red foxes, and grizzly bears. Occasionally, other family members may assist in raising their young. Arctic foxes form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and they stay together to raise their young in complex underground dens. It also eats carrion, berries, seaweed, and insects and other small invertebrates. The Arctic fox preys on many small creatures such as lemmings, voles, ringed seal pups, fish, waterfowl, and seabirds. Its body length ranges from 46 to 68 cm (18 to 27 in), with a generally rounded body shape to minimize the escape of body heat. In the wild, most individuals do not live past their first year but some exceptional ones survive up to 11 years. It is well adapted to living in cold environments, and is best known for its thick, warm fur that is also used as camouflage. The Arctic fox ( Vulpes lagopus), also known as the white fox, polar fox, or snow fox, is a small fox that belongs to the family of Canidae, native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and common throughout the Arctic tundra biome.
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