Table of Contents
Do arctic foxes live in the snow?
It has furry soles, short ears, and a short muzzle—all-important adaptations to the chilly clime. Arctic foxes live in burrows, and in a blizzard they may tunnel into the snow to create shelter.
How do arctic foxes survive in the snow?
Arctic foxes have several adaptations that allow them to survive. Their round, compact bodies minimize surface area that is exposed to the cold air. Their muzzle, ears, and legs are short, which also conserves heat. Arctic foxes also have thick fur on their paws, which allows them to walk on both snow and ice.
Where do arctic foxes live in the winter?
tundra
In the summer, the arctic fox lives in the tundra at the edge of forest. In the winter, it is found on ice floes where its white coat serves as camouflage. Its den is usually a burrow in a hillside or a bank. The burrow has more than one entrance.
Do arctic foxes eat snow?
The Arctic fox can easily hear lemmings burrowing under 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) of snow. When it has located its prey, the fox pounces, and punches through the snow to catch its prey.
How fast does a Arctic fox Run?
31 mph
Arctic foxes can move fast when they want to, making short sprints of up to 50 kph (31 mph).
How does an Arctic fox survive in the Arctic?
The arctic fox is an incredibly hardy animal that can survive frigid Arctic temperatures as low as – -50°C (58°F) in the treeless lands where it makes its home. Arctic foxes live in burrows, and in a blizzard they may tunnel into the snow to create shelter.
How many pups does an Arctic fox have?
Like a cat’s, this fox’s thick tail aids its balance. But for an arctic fox the tail (or “brush”) is especially useful as warm cover in cold weather. Female arctic foxes give birth each spring to a large litter of up to 14 pups.
What kind of coat does an Arctic fox have?
Arctic foxes have beautiful white (sometimes blue-gray) coats that act as very effective winter camouflage. The natural hues allow the animal to blend into the tundra’s ubiquitous snow and ice.
When is the breeding season for an Arctic fox?
Arctic fox breeding season occurs from February to April, when they mate in monogamous pairs. Couples either dig out new dens or move into pre-existing ones. These dens often contain a long network of tunnels covering as much as 1,000 square meters (3,280 square feet).