Arctic Fox

The arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) is a member of the canid family, which includes wolves, dogs and other foxes.  Its scientific name translates as "hare-footed fox", referring to the dense fur on its feet which is similar to the fur on the foot of a hare.  This extra fur provides increased insulation against the cold.  Other adaptations to its arctic environment are short legs, ears and nose, and a thick, winter coat.

The arctic fox is a small animal, normally weighing between 2.5 and 5.0 kg.  Its average body length is 65 to 85 cm.  The female, or vixen, is slightly smaller than the male fox.

The arctic fox is the only canid that changes the colour of its coat in the summer. The back, tail, legs and head are brown, and the sides and belly are blond.  This two-tone brown pelage lasts only for July and August and enables the fox to blend into the summer tundra.  This coat is much shorter than the winter coat.

There are two winter colour phases of the arctic fox: white and blue.  The blue coat varies from grey to dark blue-black.  The different colour phases may occur within the same litter and the proportion of each colour phase varies geographically.  In the Northwest Territories, the white phase is much more prevalent.  The blue phase occurs in approximately 1 per cent of inland populations and comprises from 1 to 5 per cent of foxes on coastal areas and the arctic islands.  However, in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands of Alaska, the blue phase predominates.  In southern Greenland, the proportion of the white and blue colours is equal.  The winter coat of the arctic fox makes it appear much larger than it really is. The dense underfur and long guard hairs provide ample protection against the most bitter winter weather.