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| Class: Mammalia: Mammals | Diet: Birds, rodents |
| Order: Carnivora: Carnivores | |
| Size: body:46 - 68 cm (18 - 26 3/4 in), tail: up to 35 cm (13 3/4 in) | |
| Family: Canidae: Dogs, Foxes | Conservation Status: Non-threatened |
| Scientific Name: Alopex lagopus | Habitat: tundra, open woodland |
| Range: Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America | |
One
of the few truly arctic mammals, the arctic fox has well-furred feet and
small, rounded ears. It feeds on ground-dwelling birds, lemmings and other
small rodents and also eats the leftovers from polar bear kills and carrion,
such as stranded marine animals.
Burrows,
usually in the side of a hill or cliff, provide shelter, but arctic foxes
do not hibernate and can withstand temperatures as low as -50 degrees C
(-58 degrees F). A litter of 4 to 11 young is born in May or June after
a gestation of 51 to 57 days. They are cared for by both parents.
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