Arctic fox Vulpes lagopus

Animals in our sanctuary

Endur (Male)

Date of birth

11-07-2019

Date taken in

19-04-2024

Arctic fox Endur was confiscated along with another Arctic fox, porcupines, servals, kudu, ibis and raptors in February 2024 in Houyet, Belgium. The polar foxes were used as a breeding pair, probably for animal trade. The confiscation was carried out by Dierenwelzijn Wallonia where the animals were then housed at Natuurhulpcentrum.

Appearance:

The Arctic fox has a compact build with a short snout, small ears, and a dense coat well adapted to extreme cold. In winter, its fur is completely white, while in summer, it turns gray to brown. A rare color variation, the blue fox, retains a grayish-brown coat throughout the year and is more commonly found in coastal areas.

Behavior:

Arctic foxes are active both day and night and typically live in pairs or small family groups. They often inhabit extensive burrow systems with multiple entrances and tunnels, some of which have been in use for centuries. They are monogamous, with a male usually mating with one female, although he may share a burrow with multiple females. Arctic foxes are highly adaptable and can travel long distances in search of food during periods of scarcity.

Diet:

The Arctic fox is an opportunistic feeder, with a diet primarily consisting of lemmings and other small mammals. In years when lemmings are scarce, they also consume birds, eggs, insects, berries, and carrion, including leftovers from seals killed by polar bears. During summer, they store food for later use by hiding it under rocks.

Habitat:

Arctic foxes inhabit the Arctic tundra of North America, Northern Europe, and Northern Asia, as well as alpine tundra in Scandinavia. They have also been introduced to the Aleutian Islands. Their distribution is circumpolar, and some individuals even venture onto pack ice to follow polar bears.

Reproduction:

The breeding season occurs between February and April. After a gestation period of 52 to 54 days, females give birth to litters ranging from 5 to 12 pups, depending on food availability, particularly lemmings. The pups are born blind and stay with their mother for about 4 to 5 weeks before being weaned. They reach maturity at around 10 months, although they often do not have their first litter until their third year.

Threats:

Although the Arctic fox is generally not considered threatened, some populations are under pressure due to human activities. In Scandinavia, for example, they are nearly extinct due to competition with the red fox. On Medny Island, near Russia, the population has drastically declined due to a tick-borne disease. The Arctic fox is classified as "Not Threatened" by the IUCN, but regional threats such as fur hunting and pollution still pose risks.