Renard arctique— species and hunting in Quebec

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), also known as the white fox, polar fox, or snow fox, is a small species of fox native to the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and common throughout the Arctic tundra. It is well adapted to living in cold environments, and is known for its thick, warm fur that can be used as camouflage against snow in the winter. It has a large and fluffy tail. In the wild, most individuals do not live past their first year but some exceptional ones survive up to 11 years. Its body length ranges from 46 to 68 cm (18 to 27 in), with a generally rounded body shape to minimize the escape of body heat. The Arctic fox preys on many small creatures such as lemmings, voles, ringed seal pups, fish, waterfowl, and seabirds. It also eats carrion, berries, seaweed, and insects and other small invertebrates. Arctic foxes form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and they stay together to raise their young in complex underground dens. Occasionally, other family members may assist in raising their young. Natural predators of the Arctic fox include golden eagles, Arctic wolves, polar bears, wolverines, red foxes, and brown bears.

Description

The Arctic fox is smaller than the red fox, standing 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) tall at the shoulder. Males weigh 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) on average, with a range of 3.2–9.4 kg (7.1–20.7 lb), while females average 2.9 kg (6.4 lb), with a range of 1.4–3.2 kg (3.1–7.1 lb). The average head-to-rear length of males is 55 cm (22 in), ranging from 46–68 cm (18–27 in), while females average 52 cm (20 in) with a range of 41–55 cm (16–22 in). Foxes that live further north are smaller than more southern foxes. The tail is about one third the length of the body.