How does arctic fox protect itself

Common Name: Arctic foxes. Scientific Name: Vulpes lagopus. Type: Mammals. Diet: Omnivore. Group Name: Skulk, leash. Size: Head and body: 18 to Weight: 6. Its color depends on the time of year. That reduces heat loss because less is exposed to the cold. Arctic foxes have several natural predators.

These include golden eagles, polar bears, wolverines, red foxes, wolves, and grizzly bears. Arctic foxes give birth in spring. At this time, they start to prepare their homes with their young. They live in dens situated under the surface, which serve as a perfect hideout for both them and the young from the harsh climate and predators. The dens are reused for generations by different groups of foxes.

The arctic fox uses its building skills to keep warm. They build and choose dens that face southwards towards the sun to keep the den warmer. Arctic foxes prefer to make their dens in a maze-like shape, which allows for faster evasion of predators such as red foxes.

Arctic foxes can produce up to eighteen cubs, depending on the availability of food around. The more lemmings to feed on, the more the pups they give birth to. Arctic foxes are known to be monogamous even when taking care of their pups.

Both males and females exhibit complex social structures when predators are in plentiful supply to secure their pups. They stay in large packs of breeding and non-breeding males and females. Older offspring remain in the dens to cater to the young even in the absence of predators. Want to know more about how fox cubs learn. Find out here.

Arctic foxes are not yet an endangered species. Arctic foxes have a keen sense of smell that aids them to track predators such as polar bears to avoid them. Arctic foxes have sharp teeth and claws that are effective during hunting and for self-defense against larger predators.

Arctic foxes use certain sounds to communicate with each other. These can range from a loud yowl if the distance is long, to a high pitched sound which is a warning of danger. Arctic foxes sometimes bury themselves into the snow for protection. Arctic foxes sometimes dig a hole in the ground to store food. The Arctic fox is losing ground to the larger red fox. However, the total population of the Arctic fox must be in the order of several hundred thousand animals. Another way the fox's coat protects it is by serving as camouflage.

During the winter, its coat turns white, enabling the fox to blend in with the snow in order to hide from predators or stalk prey of its own. During the spring and summer, its coat turns a brown and gray color to help it blend into its habitat.