Arctic Fox
FACTS
- STATUS Least of Concern
- POPULATION Several hundred thousand
- SCIENTIFIC NAME Vulpes lagopus
- HEIGHT 11 inches
- WEIGHT 3 to 20 pounds
- LENGTH 18 to 27 inches
- HABITATS Tundra
The Arctic fox is primarily a carnivore that lives inland, away from the coasts. They are dependent on the presence of smaller animals (most often lemmings) to survive. Arctic foxes also hunt for sea birds, fish, and other marine life. Smaller rodent populations waver between times of abundance and scarcity, which leaves the Arctic fox vulnerable when these creatures are low in numbers.