Transcript:

Today on Animal Fact Files we’re discussing Arctic foxes. These little mammals are also known as ice foxes, snow foxes, polar foxes, and blue foxes. They get the name blue fox because some individuals have blue-grey 

fur, though they don't always look this way. As their other common names would imply, Arctic foxes live in the Arctic. They're nomadic creatures built for surviving in this harsh environment. They're most commonly seen along coastlines and at the foot of mountains where they can easily construct their dens. Arctic foxes are burrowing animals and depend on multi-entranced dens in hillsides, banks, and even snow to keep them warm when the weather gets rough. They also have adaptations for keeping toasty in the chill.

Arctic foxes are small, about the size of a housecat. They can reach about two feet (61cm) in body length with a fluffy tail about half as long. Depending on the time of year, they weigh anywhere from six to over fifteen pounds (2.7-6.8kg)! These foxes have small ears, short legs, and a little snout which means they have less surface area from which their body heat can escape. This helps them stay warm, even during the winter, so they don't hibernate. Arctic foxes also have fur covered soles on their feet. This is where they get their scientific name "rabbit footed". They have hairy toe beans! Like snow leopards, Arctic foxes use their fluffy tail like a blanket. They also change color depending on the season. A white coat is perfect for blending in during the snowy winter, but during the grey summer, Arctic foxes appear more grey. 

Predators to Arctic foxes include polar bears, wolves, and wolverines. They're also outcompeted in some areas by the larger red fox. Humans hunt Arctic foxes for their fur, especially the blue-tinged variety. In turn, these little fur balls eat just about anything they can find in the tundra - including poop! If times are tough, Arctic foxes consume the feces of other animals. They'll also follow polar bears and wait to scavenge meals left behind by the larger predators. When food is more abundant, Arctic foxes eat birds, seal pups, and rodents. They can hear animals under the snow and may dive straight in to find a meal. Their favorite food is lemmings. In fact, Arctic fox populations increase during the same years lemming populations increase!

Arctic foxes become reproductively mature within their first year of life, though often one of the females from the previous year's litter will remain with her parents to help her mother raise the next year's kits. These animals are considered monogamous through subsequent breeding seasons. The male remains with the female during the 52 day gestation period and brings her food after she gives birth to their young. Arctic foxes can have huge litters with over twenty babies at once, but about half this is more common. Many don't survive their first year, and even those that do may only live to reach three years of age, though some outliers have made it past a decade. 

For more facts on arctic foxes, check out the links below. Give a thumbs up if you learned something new today. Thank you to our Patrons SpikeSpiegel93, Dad, and everyone else for their support of this channel! And thank you for watching Animal Fact Files!