The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is superbly adapted for life at sub-zero temperatures . While this species is best known for its pristine, white winter coat, during the summer, the coat becomes brown on the upperparts, with light grey or white underparts, and is half as thick .

In addition, to the ‘white’ form of Arctic fox, a ‘blue’ form also occurs, which in some areas is light brown with a bluish sheen in the winter or dark brown to black in other areas, but becoming chocolate brown in the summer. The dense, woolly coat of this species has the best insulative properties of all mammals, and helps this species survive at temperatures of -50 degrees Celsius in the wild, and up to -80 degrees Celsius during captive tests.

Some other adaptations for life in the Arctic include small, heavily furred ears and a short nose to reduce heat loss, as well as fur on the soles of the feet, giving the name in latin “hare foot”, and increased blood flow to the feet pads to prevent freezing.


Arctic foxes mate for life. They choose mates in the early spring--males calling and howling to attract females. Once he has chosen a female, the male Arctic fox stakes out and marks territory to prepare to mate. 4 to 10 cubs are born each season in the den, usually in May or June. Both parents care for the cubs, who are helpless at birth. After 2 weeks the cubs open their eyes and by 6 weeks they begin to eat meat instead of only the milk their mother produces. By October the cubs can hunt on their own. Males will soon leave the den to form their own groups.(Source)