This underground den is extensive and has many entrances, which may be used for several generations. The male helps in the raising of the young. The cubs emerge from the den at 3 weeks old, but will not accompany their parents on hunting expeditions until they are 8 weeks old. The group will remain together for up to 6 months, with the male cubs dispersing first. They have been hunted extensively for their thick white fur in Iceland, and have even been captured and raised on fur farms.
Diseases also take their toll, with rabies and distemper being the most common.
Overall, the arctic fox is not threatened, and continues to thrive.