Arctic Foxes

Arctic foxes are small foxes that live in the coldest places on Earth. They have thick, fluffy fur that changes color with the seasons. In winter, their fur is white to blend with snow. In summer, it turns brown or gray to match the tundra.

Built for the Cold

Arctic foxes can survive temperatures as low as minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Their thick fur is the warmest of any mammal. Their short ears, legs, and snout reduce heat loss. They even have fur on the bottoms of their paws, which works like snow boots.

Clever Hunters

Arctic foxes eat lemmings, birds, eggs, and berries. They have amazing hearing and can detect prey under the snow. When they hear a lemming, they leap high into the air and dive headfirst into the snow. In winter, they sometimes follow polar bears to eat their leftovers.

Fun Facts

• Arctic fox fur is the warmest fur of any mammal.
• Arctic foxes can hear prey moving under several inches of snow.
• An arctic fox's tail is so fluffy it uses it as a blanket when sleeping.

Did You Know?

Arctic foxes are the only land mammal native to Iceland! They walked there over frozen sea ice during the last Ice Age thousands of years ago.