Animal profile

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

MammaliaArctic and alpine tundra, sea ice and coastal cliffsLeast Concern

Field profile

The Arctic fox is a compact tundra canid with short ears, a short muzzle and the densest winter fur of any mammal. It changes coat colour seasonally, hunts lemmings and scavenges behind polar bears. Its dens are used and enlarged across generations.

Published field notes

2026-04-20

Arctic Fox

Arctic fox dens grow their own gardens

Generations of Arctic foxes concentrate nutrients at a den through urine, faeces and prey remains. On nutrient-poor tundra the result is a visible green patch of much denser vegetation, detectable from the air.

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