Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: The Beautiful Arctic Fox

Arctic Fox Description

The Arctic Fox is pure white so that it is able
to blend into the snowy surroundings. The coat is
very thick too because of the cold temperatures.
It helps to keep the fox warm and the body
temperature regulated. They have fur on the
bottoms of their feet too. There is thick hair on
the paws that also allows them to easily walk on
top of the ice without slipping.

They have pointed ears and a long, slender nose.
The tip of the nose and the eyes are very dark in
contrast to all the white. They are thicker than
other species of fox but this is because they
have layers of fat that offer them additional
insulation. During the warmer times of the year
the white fur can turn to a shade of brown as
well.

Arctic Fox Distribution

This species of fox is found only in the coldest
regions of the Arctic. There are very few animals
out there that are able to live in this type of
environment.

Arctic Fox Behavior

Due to the extreme cold, the Arctic fox doesn't
just have a den out there. They have very complex
tunneling systems underground. They use them for
shelter, to hide from predators, and to care for
their young.

These fox are more social than any other species.
They work as a team to help care for the young.
The females often stay in close proximity to
their mothers even when they do establish their
own territory. They even will come back when they
have their own offspring to share
responsibilities.

Arctic Fox Diet and Feeding

Due to the environment where the Arctic Fox
lives, most of the time it has to find prey under
the snow. They have a very good sense of hearing
so this is no problem for them. They are very
calculated in their hunting efforts. From above
the snow this fox is able to pinpoint the exact
location of the prey. Then they pounce on it
through the snow.

It can be hard in such an isolated region to find
food, so they aren't picky. They will consume
small mammals and eggs. Lemmings are the most
common food source for them. When available they
will consume young Ringed Seals. During certain
times in the year they can also get fish out of
the water to eat.

Arctic Fox Reproduction

When a pair of Artic Fox mate, they do so for
life. The mating season for the Arctic Fox is a
very long one. It spans from September through
May of the following year. They have very large
litters compared to other types of fox. They
generally have from 5 to 8 young called kites.
However, some litters have as many as 25 in them!
The young are born in the summer in a den that
the mother has created for them.

The mortality rate for these young is very high.
Only a small number of them from each litter will
survive to be mature themselves. They young are
raised by both of their parents which is part of
why they are able to learn how to hunt for food
and to gain the strength they need for survival.

Arctic Fox Conservation

Conservation really isn't a concern for the
Arctic Fox. Since they live in regions where
there are few people, there is really no problem
with them being in jeopardy. In some areas they
have been heavily hunted for their white fur coat
though.

Arctic Fox Human interaction

It is very seldom that humans come into contact
with the Artic Fox. However, there have been
expeditions of people traveling to such regions
for the thrill of hunting such a unique animal.

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For more Facts and Information about Foxes and
the main fox species like the Arctic Fox, the Red
Fox, the Gray Fox and many others as well as Fox
images and videos, visit
http://www.foxesworlds.com

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