Arctic Fox

Arctic Fox : 

Arctic Fox By: Cory Smith

Scientific classification : 

Scientific classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: MammaliaOrder: CarnivoraFamily: CanidaeGenus: VulpesSpecies: V lagopus

ANESTORS, Relatives, and evolution : 

ANESTORS, Relatives, and evolution The arctic fox is very closely related to any member of the Vulpes family. Consisting of the red fox, swift fox, pale fox, and many more. To adapt to its region, the arctic fox has a short rounded body, a stout nose, and thick fur.

Evolution cont. : 

Evolution cont. Living in the arctic tundra has allowed the arctic fox to be able to change its coat depending on the season.

Characteristics : 

Characteristics The fox lays low to the ground, it has short muzzle and legs, and short, thick ears. With less exposed to the cold, it is able to retain heat. The Arctic foxes furry paws allow it to walk on ice, allowing it to find food. The Arctic Fox also has excellent hearing that allows it to locate the position of prey under the snow.

Habitat : 

Habitat The Arctic Foxes habitat ranges from the tundra and coastal areas of Alaska, and Canada and around the Arctic Circle. The may also be seen in northern areas of Russia, Sweden, Finland and Norway The arctic fox does not migrate or hibernate, though it may follow larger predators to eat their left over scraps when food is scarce.

Food Chain : 

Food Chain The arctic fox is not at the top of the food chain. Though wolves, snow owls, and bears will kill them, the fox is normally to quick to catch. Its main threat is humans.

Mating : 

Mating In March-April, two months before the end of winter, arctic foxes begin to form mating pairs. The arctic fox is a monogamous for life, until one or both die. Their courtship behavior is fairly simple, with lots of chasing and playing before the deed.

Social : 

Social The Arctic Fox does not maintain complex social groups, due to food being so scarce. They will however live with their mate.

Endangered? : 

Endangered? The Arctic fox, as a whole species is alright, for the time being. Though 2 subspecies of the fox are dangerous decline, near extinction. With wolves being hunted to near extinction also, red foxes are finding their way in, and killing the arctic fox.

Usefulness to humans : 

Usefulness to humans This animal is not dangerous, or useful to humans. Although some people enjoy hanging their fur as ornaments in their offices.

Captivity : 

Captivity If the fox was placed in captivity, it would need to be placed in their with its mate. (Assuming it has one.) Making its habitat as natural as possible would be a must. Artificial snow, food stored underground, and ice.

Interesting Facts : 

Interesting Facts The arctic fox is able to hear baby seals in their snow dens to eat. The arctic fox can run at the speed of around 30 mph The Arctic fox is also the only one from the dog family to change its colors. The Arctic fox reaches sexual maturity as early as 10 months.

Work Cited : 

Work Cited Wikipedia {http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_fox#Population_and_Distribution}2/28/2009National Geographic {http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/arctic-fox.html} 2/28/2009 Mahalo {http://www.mahalo.com/Arctic_Fox} 2/28/2009Hinterlands Who's who {http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=81} 2/28/2009 Animal Planet {http://animal.discovery.com/guides/mammals/habitat/tundra/arcticfox.html} 2/28/2009