Arctic fox
Channel: all the knowledge of the universe PRINCIPIA
Date: 2021-12-04

Arctic fox, by Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki?curid=2208 / CC BY SA 3.0

#IUCN_Red_List_least_concern_species
#Arctic_land_animals
#Holarctic_fauna
#Mammals_described_in_1758
#Mammals_of_Europe
#Mammals_of_Asia
#Mammals_of_Greenland
#Mammals_of_Iceland
#Mammals_of_North_America
#Mammals_of_Russia
The Arctic fox （Vulpes lagopus）, also known as the white fox, polar fox, or snow fox, is a small fox native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and common throughout the Arctic tundra biome.
It is well adapted to living in cold environments, and is best known for its thick, warm fur that is also used as camouflage.
It has a large and very fluffy tail.
In the wild, most individuals do not live past their first year but some exceptional ones survive up to 11 years.
Its body length ranges from 46 to 68 cm （18 to 27 in）, with a generally rounded body shape to minimize the escape of body heat.
The Arctic fox preys on many small creatures such as lemmings, voles, ringed seal pups, fish, waterfowl, and seabirds.
It also eats carrion, berries, seaweed, and insects and other small invertebrates.
Arctic foxes form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and they stay together to raise their young in complex underground dens.
Occasionally, other family members may assist in raising their young.
Natural predators of the Arctic fox are golden eagles, Arctic wolves, polar bears, wolverines, red foxes, and grizzly bears.
A sleeping Arctic fox with its fluffy tail wrapped around itself and over its face 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.
To prevent heat loss, the Arctic fox curls up tightly tucking its legs and head under its body and behind its furry tail.
This position gives the fox the smallest surface area to volume ratio and protects the least insulated areas.
Arctic foxes also stay warm by getting out of the wind and residing in their dens.
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