These foxes hang out in the Arctic region, usually near the water. They are active at various times of day and live in burrows. Their life expectancy in the wild is about three years.1
Made for the Cold
These foxes are well equipped to handle any cold weather. They can live in temperatures that plunge as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit. Their short ears and muzzle, furry paws, and bushy tail are all adaptations that enable them to keep warm.2
Their fur is white or grayish-blue in the winter and turns brown or gray in the summertime. This helps them blend in with their surroundings in their Arctic habitat.1
Diet
Arctic foxes feed on pretty much anything that’s available to them. They’ll eat rodents, birds, and any leftovers that polar bears leave behind.1
In turn, polar bears may eat them, too. The same can be said for wolves and wolverines.1
Status
These foxes are listed as “Least Concern” according to the IUCN. They were once killed frequently for their fur, but thanks to the decrease in popularity of fur, that isn’t as much of an immediate threat as it used to be.3
You know what other animal can handle the cold? Wolves! Check out how they keep warm in the winter here.
All the best,
Chris & the WERC Team
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