Arctic Fox
Vulpes lagopus
Their fur changes color with the seasons, transforming from a pristine white in winter to a brown-grey in summer for year-round camouflage.
- Scientific name
- Vulpes lagopus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Carnivora › Canidae › Vulpes
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- tundra
- Habitat
- Arctic tundra, alpine tundra, and coastal areas.
- Diet
- Opportunistic omnivore, primarily lemmings, voles, seabirds, eggs, carrion, and berries.
- Range
- Arctic regions of North America, Northern Europe, Northern Asia, Greenland
- Size
- 50-60 cm body length, weight of 2.5-9 kg
- Lifespan
- 3 to 6 years in the wild
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Climate change reducing tundra habitat, competition with encroaching red foxes, and fluctuations in prey populations.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless but cautious. Maintain a safe distance of at least 25 meters. Do not feed them, as they can become habituated or transmit rabies. If bitten, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention.
The Arctic fox ( Vulpes lagopus ), also known as the white fox , polar fox , or snow fox , is a small fox native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and common throughout the Arctic tundra biome. It is well adapted to living in cold environments, and is best known for its thick, warm fur that is also used as camouflage. On average, Arctic foxes only live 3-4 years in the wild. Its body length ranges from...
Photo: Emma, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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