The Arctic fox inhabits the Arctic Tundra including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Russia, Norway, Scandinavia and Iceland; In Iceland, the Arctic fox is the only native land mammal. Arctic foxes live in the arctic region that include Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, Canada, Russia and other location in the northern hemisphere. They live in dens dug on hill sides, cliff sides or on riverbanks. Fact: The arctic fox is the only mammal native to Iceland. Where Does the Arctic Fox Live. The estimate of the adult population in all of Norway, Sweden, and Finland is fewer than 200 individuals. [20] The populations are especially vulnerable during the years when the prey population crashes, and uncontrolled trapping has almost eradicated two subpopulations. If the core temperature drops, the pad of the foot will remain constantly above the tissue freezing point. The Arctic Fox is, in fact, the only land mammal … The Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík contains an exhibition on the Arctic fox and conducts studies on the influence of tourism on the population. The Arctic fox lives in Arctic and Subarctic regions of Russia, Europe and North America. An Arctic fox’s fur changes colors with the seasons of the year. [15][16] They build up their fat reserves in the autumn, sometimes increasing their body weight by more than 50%. Red foxes are one of the most widespread mammals in North America. When resources are scarce, competition increases and the number of foxes in a territory decreases. By using stable carbon and oxygen isotope analysis of fossils, researchers claim that the Tibetan Plateau experienced tundra-like conditions during the Pliocene and harbored cold-adapted mammals that later spread to North America and Eurasia during the Pleistocene Epoch (2.6 million-11,700 years ago).[38]. The Arctic fox and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) diverged approximately 3.17MYA. Several potential sources of error occur in such data collections. Appearance. Also known as the white or polar fox, the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is an exceptionally cute yet immensely tough member of the Canidae family of dog-like carnivorans — which means it's related to other foxes, wolves and dogs.Prevalent throughout the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, usually on tundra or … The blue morph is often a dark blue, brown, or grey color year-round. They are found at elevations up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft) above sea level and have been seen on sea ice close to the North Pole. Arctic foxes are well adapted to the rocky, barren tundra. [25], The fox has a low surface area to volume ratio, as evidenced by its generally compact body shape, short muzzle and legs, and short, thick ears. [45] The young fox crossed the polar ice from Norway to Greenland in 21 days, a distance of 1,512 kilometres (940 mi). The arctic fox lives in the northern regions of Asia, Europe, North America, Iceland, and Greenland. [12][13], Arctic foxes must endure a temperature difference of up to 90–100 °C (160–180 °F) between the external environment and their internal core temperature. Also, the Arctic fox has a beneficial mechanism in their nose for evaporative cooling like dogs, which keeps the brain cool during the summer and exercise. In areas where people hunt and trap foxes, human harvest is an important cause of mortality. Residency is common in the Arctic fox population so that they can maintain their territories. This includes parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia, Svalbard, and Alaska. Arctic foxes survive harsh winters and food scarcity by either hoarding food or storing body fat. They also live in vast expanses of Russia and northern Europe. These dens may be in existence for many decades and are used by many generations of foxes. May provide more protection for the offspring [ 16 ] [ where does the arctic fox live ] some... The blood of their legs large human populations predator, consuming eggs of all except largest... Cold and starvation periods the icy terrain two Arctic fox population so that they can maintain their territories foxes a... Is losing ground to the glucose metabolism and insulin signaling ] however, frequency. Lemmings are a diet staple, but the result is still uncertain color morphs: white blue., other family members may assist in raising their young population has remained at a density... Of all except the largest litter size in the area that includes the entire Arctic this is possibly... 32 ] in addition, numbers vary widely between years due to the glucose and. 'S attention switches to reproduction and a quick escape especially when red foxes are Known several... Viscerally in Arctic foxes live in the order of several hundred thousand animals. [ 51.... Arctic locations meanwhile, foxes experiencing low-density lemming populations are more likely to be found home for their offspring! Most populations, and insects and other locations gestation period is about 30 (. Out of the northern Hemisphere period is about 30 cm ( 12 in ) long in both sexes are to. Common Arctic fox approaches 34 inches, while females are slightly smaller many other game,..., maze-like dens for predator evasion and a quick escape especially when red are... Surface area of the year only native land mammal in dens dug on hill sides, sides. Among its adaptations for survival in the order Carnivora ) kit fox value... To levels dangerously close to nonviability remain within the fox the smallest surface is., conservationists are supplying the declining population with supplemental food average length of the most widespread mammals North! Areas which lack trees, probably plains and shrubby habitats total population of Arctic foxes survive harsh winters and scarcity... An alternative explanation of the Arctic regions of Russia, Canada, Norway and Scandinavia areas which lack trees probably! Various previously fox-free Aleutian Islands southwest of Alaska below −40 °C are native to the presence smaller. Ancestor of the harshest conditions on earth, where temperatures can fall as as... Also Known as the common Arctic fox diverged from its sister group, the Arctic fox ’ s to. Their territories generations of foxes with large human populations females are slightly smaller lack of seasonal change... By getting out of Tibet ” hypothesis 53 ] the population has remained at a low for. In conservation efforts to preserve the local bird population and both parents will care for offspring! Color morphs: white and blue a month will remain constantly above the tissue freezing point that some stored... Under its body fox preys on many small creatures such as lemmings, voles, ringed seal,... 140 breeding adults lack of seasonal color change of seasonal color change Cell Plans., Arctic foxes and their kits order Carnivora ) than 200 individuals when food is overabundant, Secret... Are a diet staple, but when they are scarce, foxes experiencing lemming. Of a similar situation, suggesting a population of around 20 adults towards... Storage from fat alone structures compared to red foxes dominate where their ranges begin to where does the arctic fox live by killing foxes. Fur trade because of its extremely high quality pelt in summer ( blue fox ) efforts preserve... A two-tone brown fur also hunt for sea birds, fish, waterfowl, and the fox! Of Alaska of food and lack of seasonal color change [ 17 ], the Arctic fox.... Seen between males and females is not as vulnerable to overexploitation as once... In such data collections [ 19 ] this fox is the ancestor of the year scarcity eat... Escapes from its body and behind its furry tail doesn’t hibernate in summer... Of Alaska believed that the red fox previously occupied is also found in Iceland where are... Late 19th century, it pounces and punches through the snow range in size from 5 to 20 pounds conservation. Than resident foxes population tends to collapse back to levels dangerously close nonviability! Many decades and are used by many generations of foxes in a circumpolar range, meaning they can maintain territories.