Taxonomic name: Vulpes lagopus

Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

Wild range: Arctic tundra and northern coastlines in North America, Eurasia, and Greenland.

Diet: Rodents, especially lemmings. They will also eat birds, small invertebrates, and carrion.

Longevity in the wild: 1 to 4 years

Size: 41 to 68 cm

Weight: 3 kg

Fun fact: Arctic foxes have compact bodies with short muzzles, ears, and legs. Their body shape has a low surface area to volume ratio, which reduces the rate of heat loss – crucial for staying warm in the arctic!

APZ location: Journey to Churchill

Conservation Story: Arctic foxes are threatened by climate change. As snow cover decreases, their white winter coat no longer provides suitable camouflage from predators. In addition, as the climate warms, red foxes move northward onto the tundra and compete with arctic foxes for food.