Facts about Arctic Fox
The thick fur of the Arctic Fox is the warmest of any mammal and is one of its adaptations for survival in the cold. The Arctic Fox has such keen hearing that it can precisely locate the position of prey under the snow. It has a system of countercurrent heat exchange in the circulation of paws to retain core temperature. This helps the animal to survive in extremely cold temperatures. Its fur changes colour with the seasons: in the winter it is white to blend in with snow, while in the summer months it changes to brown. Its furry paws allow it to walk on ice in search of food. The arctic fox is also known as the white fox or the snow fox. The fox has a low surface area to volume ratio, as evidenced by its generally rounded body shape, short muzzle and legs, and short, thick ears. Since less of its surface area is exposed to the cold, less heat escapes the body. Their litters tend to average 6 to 7 pups but may be as many as 11. The Arctic Fox will generally eat any meat it can find, including lemmings, Arctic Hare, reptiles and amphibians, eggs, and carrion. Lemmings are the most common prey. Their cubs are initially brownish but as they become older they turn white. The Arctic Fox has a gestation period of 53 days, more or less. |
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