Where does the Arctic fox live?
The Arctic fox lives in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and is common throughout the Arctic tundra. It is well adapted to cold: its thick winter fur, snow-white, works as camouflage. It has a rounded body shape, which limits heat loss, and a large, fluffy tail.
What does the Arctic fox eat?
It preys on many small creatures: lemmings, voles, ringed seal pups, fish, waterfowl and seabirds. It also eats carrion, berries, seaweed, insects and other small invertebrates. In the autumn it builds up fat reserves and can increase its body weight by more than 50%, which gives it better insulation in winter and energy when food is scarce. To prevent heat loss, it curls up tightly with its legs and head tucked under its body.
Is the Arctic fox endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. In the wild, most Arctic foxes do not live past their first year, but a few exceptional ones survive up to 11 years. It forms pairs for the breeding season.
