Family: Canidae, Dogs view all from this family
Description In summer, bluish brown or grayish, with white underparts; in winter, white or creamy white. Rare blue phase is dark blue-gray in summer, pale blue-gray in winter. Tail bushy. Nose pad, eyes, and claws black. Snout blunt. Ears rounded and short. Juvenile has white facial markings. Male larger than female. Ht 9 7/8-11 3/4" (25-30 cm); L 30-36" (75-91 cm); T 10 5/8-13 3/4" (27-35 cm); HF 5 1/8-6 3/8" (13-16 cm); E usually 2 1/4" (5.6 cm); Wt 5 1/2-8 3/4 lb (2.5-4 kg).
Similar Species Other foxes have larger, more pointed ears. Common Gray Fox has black "mane" on top of tail. Red Fox has white tail tip.
Breeding Mates February-May; 1 litter of 6-12 young born April-July; gestation 49-57 days.
Habitat Tundra at edge of northern forests; in winter, great distances out on ice floes. Rare blue phase usually in areas without permanent snow cover, where its color would be disadvantageous.
Range Western and n Alaska east across n Canada south to n and e Northwest Territories, ne Alberta, n Manitoba, and n Quebec; rarely farther south.
Discussion The adaptations of the Arctic Fox to its subzero habitat include a compact body with short legs and ears (heat loss occurs mostly through extremities), dense fur, and thickly haired footpads, which insulate against the cold and provide traction on ice. Winter fur develops in October: The coat thickens, and the new hairs are much lighter, providing camouflage against snow and ice. Individual Arctic Foxes are relatively solitary, but several will congregate around a large carcass or a dump. The Arctic Fox dens in a bank or hillside and in winter may tunnel into a snowbank. The female builds a summer nest in a new den with several entrances. Both parents care for the young until the family disperses in mid-August; the male brings food for the young and his mate and guards the family. In summer, when prey is abundant, the Arctic Fox gluts itself but still keeps hunting. It stores surplus food by clawing through the soil and deep-freezing it on the permafrost below, or caching it in a crevice or under a rock. In winter, it follows Polar Bears, eating leftovers from their kills and, if food is scarce, even their droppings. It also eats voles, ground squirrels, young hares, birds, bird eggs, fish, berries, occasionally young seals or sea lions, and, in winter, carrion. Populations of Arctic Foxes peak about every four years, paralleling and following by roughly one year those of lemmings, a chief food. When prey is scarce and hunting territories are consequently expanded, young and old foxes unable to defend their territories may be forced to emigrate. They travel south up to several hundred miles; few return north, as many are trapped for their pelts. This fox's long-haired pelt, especially that of the rare blue phase, is highly valued and much sought. Arctic Foxes are raised commercially on islands off Alaska.
