COMMON NAME: Arctic FoxSCIENTIFIC NAME: Vulpes lagopusAPPEARANCE:
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ADAPTATIONS:
- Has fur that changes with the seasons for camouflage
- In the summer, the coat is a dark gray to brown color to blend in with the darker rocks and vegetation
- In the winter, the coat is a snowy white color to blend in with the snow
- Double layer coat
- Outer is long coarse guard hairs
- Inner is downy and insulation
- Outer is long coarse guard hairs
- Has a thick layer of body fat
- Provides insulation keeps the heat in
- Used to store food throughout winter months
- Very keen sense of hearing
- Ears are pointed forwards, allowing them to hear their prey (lemmings) in underground tunnels
- Hunts by precisely pinpointing location of prey with exceptional ears then leaping into the air and pounces, breaking through the snow right onto their prey
- Thick fur on Paws
- Provides grip on the slippery ice
- Provides insulation and keeps the heat in
- Thick furry tail
- Provides extra insulation when necessary
- Active - tail is out of way
- Resting - tail curls around to keep body warm
- Provides extra insulation when necessary
FUN FACT: Arctic foxes usually mate for LIFE and both the mother and father have a hand or rather a paw in raising the litter of 5 - 9+ pups until they can take care of themselves.