Arctic fox

Vulpes lagopus

Mammalia · Carnivora · Canidae

Fig. 1. Arctic fox

Fig. 2. Range

Length or height	Body length about 50-65 cm
Weight	About 3-8 kg
Food	Lemmings, birds, eggs, scraps
Lifespan	About 3-6 years wild
Society	Pairs
Habitat	tundra, polar
Range	North America, Europe, Asia
Wild or tame	Wild

Turns white in winter and brown in summer.

Observe: Compare the short ears and legs with the fennec fox: a lesson in heat and cold.

Modern data

Status today

LCLeast concern status to verify

Conservation	Least concern.
Keeper's note	Daily checks of appetite, movement and behavior; enrichment that changes from day to day.
Kingdom · phylum	Animalia · Chordata
Genus	Vulpes

Check the record: IUCN Red List · GBIF · ITIS

See it elsewhere in the museum

Zoo: Polar coast zone

For classes

Lessons: The Mammal Hall: Weigh the cost of warmthPreviewThe Mammal Hall: What makes a mammal?PreviewThe Great Aquarium: Is a dolphin a fish?Preview

Drawer: Zoo: Polar coast

Quiz: Polar coast quiz · 5 questions