by Alexa

ARCTIC FOXES(MAMMAL)

Characteristics of an arctic fox

Arctic foxes are about 9.8-12 inches at the shoulder in length.A male weighs about 7.1-21 pounds.A female weighs about 3.1-7.1 pounds.They have fur instead of scales on a snake.At the start of winter they have a thick coat of fur, but by summertime they have a thin layer of fur.They breathe be taking air in with thier lungs and exhale with their nose.They are warm blooded too.

Where do Arctic foxes live? Arctic foxes live in colder parts of

Canada, Alaska, Northern Asia,and Europe.They live in cold climates and they migrate toward shore. They travel alone most of the time,not in groups.

FoodArctic foxes eat lemmings,voles,eggs,fish,carrion,hares,birds and other small rodents.They are omnivores.So they eat both meat and plants.

ProtectionArctic foxes protect themselves like any other animal.They have sharp claws, really sharp teeth. They also have a thick fur that protects them from the cold.So they can protect themselves even when they’re alone.

Unique characteristics of an arctic fox

Arctic foxes are born alive and not in eggs.There are about 5-9 babies in one litter.The young or “babies” are really called kits or pups.An iteresting fact about them is that in the winter an arctic fox’s fur or pelt turns white and is very thick.In the summer it is a brown-ish color and is very thin.Some even have a steel blue coat in the winter!

Problems and predatorsArctic foxes are not endangered but they do have 2 common enemy of predators.One is a polar bear but with the arctic fox’s speed it could get away.The second one they might not be so lucky with,it’s man kind.They want an arctic fox’s pelt for a nice rug or hat.Their currency is least concern or the population is stable.

I like arctic foxes because they are independent animals.They take care of themselves and are very strong.I like how their fur or pelt changes colors during summer and winter.They are very fast animals and are not afraid to fight.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT ARCTIC FOXES

OTHER FACTSArctic foxes are also called Polar Foxes

They breed between February and March

They stay in burrows if they want

They eat lemmings,voles,ringed seal pups,fish,waterfowl,and seabirds

They are a part of the animal kingdom.

Arctic foxes are the smallest of the canine family.

It’s fur changes throughout the seasons

They can survive temperatures of -50’