Well adapted to coping with life in the frozen North, Arctic Fox is known for her distinctive bushy white coat. Small and compact, She conserves her body heat. Unlike her Fox Cousins, Arctic Fox’s ears are short and rounded. Moreover, her feet are covered with thick hair. Arctic Fox keeps toasty warm in the freezing Arctic winters. Because of her special adaptations, Arctic Fox is in her own subfamily – Alopex lagopus instead of belonging to the Fox Family of Vulpes.
During the winter, Arctic Fox does not hibernate, but migrates south to the coast or along the tree lines of northern Scandinavia. On her travels, She preys on Voles, Lemmings, and Ground Squirrels. At the seashore, She scours the shore for beached Seals and Whales. Sometimes during the winter, Arctic Fox lives on Greenland pack ice.
Unlike other Foxes, Arctic Fox uses the same den for many years. Avoiding areas of permafrost for her den, She searches for high, well-drained areas where the soil is easily excavated. Burrowing in the ground, Arctic Fox creates a system of tunnels with numerous entrances and exits.
Arctic Fox teaches resourcefulness. In summer, She hides food in her den or pushes it into rock crevices. During the lean times, She uses these stores. When live prey is unavailable, Arctic Fox eats eggs and sea urchins. She is not afraid to range wide and far in her search of food.
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Va. Carper