[curiosities] curiosities about the arctic fox

[MosterOfficial ☆]

 

The Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) lives practically throughout the Arctic Circle, from Canada to Russia through Europe, Greenland and Iceland. They usually live in tundra areas, and usually stay near coastal regions. It is a nomadic species accustomed to traveling long distances in its distribution area.

They hunt during the day. They have a carnivorous and vegetarian diet. In summer it feeds mainly on rodents, such as lemmings, one of its favorite prey, although it also usually captures birds. In winter, when food is most scarce, it can even kill reindeer. Any strategy is good to obtain food in such inhospitable environments, so these animals will not hesitate to chase other inhabitants of the snow: polar bears, to search among the scraps left by these large predators.

Arctic fox pups are born in burrows, which these animals excavate in sandy soils located in mounds near the banks. Most of them face south about 3 meters underground. Mating occurs in early March and early April: gestation lasts about 52 days, and they usually raise litters consisting of an average of seven puppies. They are monogamous by nature, and both parents are responsible for bringing food to the burrow and raising the cubs, which leave the burrow after three weeks.

Newborn pups of both po[CENSORED]tions are covered in short, velvety, dark brown fur that lightens as they reach weeks of age. Blue phase puppies acquire their characteristic dark color at two months of age.