Arctic Fox

Arctic Fox Facts

• Firstly, the truly beautiful and amazing Arctic Fox constitutes a small species of fox that evolved as native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
• The species is also generally active from early September until early May. It tends to live and breed in complex underground tunnel systems. Further, after mating, the female may give birth to between 5-25 kits at once.
• Both sexes also share in the raising of the young. In a rather unique pattern, after the young have reached a certain age, the females leave the family to form their own groups. 
• In addition, unlike most animals, the male remains to finish rearing the young.
• Finally, this amazing creature also remains the only land mammal endemic to Iceland.

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Arctic Fox Physical Description

The gorgeous Arctic Fox displays a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism. The males also generally develop somewhat larger than the females.

An average body length between the two genders measures about 43 in (110 cm), plus an average tail length of 12.2 in (31 cm), also.

The lovely animal also averages roughly 7.7 lbs. (3.5 kg) in weight, but rather exceptional individuals may weigh as much as 21 lbs. (9.4 kg).

Its rather thick coat of fur changes color with the seasons to blend in with the environment – brown in the summer season and white during the winter.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Canidae
• Genus: Vulpes
• Species: V. lagopus

Arctic Fox Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The Arctic Fox appears to remain quite common throughout the Arctic tundra biome, as well as other cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Most notably, it commonly inhabits tundra habitats in Asia, Europe, and North America. 

It has adapted to this environment by growing beautiful thick fur and a generous amount of body fat. The thick fur on its paws allows it to walk on the ice in pursuit of food without the loss of body heat.

It is also an opportunistic omnivore and will eat virtually anything. In addition to consuming any small prey it can catch, it will occasionally feed on berries, seaweed, and the occasional fish.

Finally, its own natural predators include golden eagles, red foxes, grizzly bears, and wolves.

Species Sharing Its Range

                             

Bowhead Whale                  Snowy Owl                         Narwhal

Check out our other articles on 7 Astounding Polar Creatures, Rainbow Grasshopper, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Devil’s Walking Stick