Arctic Fox
| More Animal Resources Wild Dogs (Canidae) Types of Animals |
The white fur and name of the Arctic Fox easily explain its northern habitat, which extends through most of the circumpolar north.
During the winter, the fur turns white, enabling the fox to camouflage itself from predators and prey alike.
During the summer, the fur turns a brown color, providing similar camouflage against the rocks of the tundra.
They stay active during the winter, and their warm coat of fur is complimented by a coat of fur on the pads of their feet to help them cope with the snow and ice on the ground.
Arctic Foxes exhibit both predatory and scavenger feeding behavior. They prey on lemmings, sea birds, eggs and marine invertebrates in their territory. They also play a cat and mouse game with local polar bear populations, hiding from them to avoid being prey, and then scavenging on the remains of polar bear prey such as seals.
© 2010 Patricia A. Michaels