11 Amazing Arctic Fox Facts for Kids [UPDATED Facts]

Arctic foxes are one of those animals that prove the immense versatility of Nature. A small animal, no bigger than a small dog or the domestic cats, and yet they survive in the wilderness of the Arctic.

These animals are cute, beautiful to look at and intelligent enough to find out creative ways to gather food.

Does your little one want to know more about these creatures? In that case, we have made a list of 11 amazing Arctic fox facts for kids that we are sure your little one would enjoy. Read on!

11 Most Interesting & Fun Facts about Arctic Foxes for Kids

Arctic foxes are also called white foxes or polar foxes are considered to be the true animals of the North as they have several adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in the harsh weather of the Arctic.

With that introduction, let us dive into the interesting facts about the Arctic foxes.

1. Arctic foxes have the warmest fur in the world

Arctic foxes are built in a way that they can survive the harsh weather of the Arctic. These small animals have the warmest pelt (fur) out of all the Arctic animals.

Additionally, there are other modifications in their bodies that help them to store heat. The legs are short, the ears are rounded and small, and the noses are small too. These reduce the surface area and hence less heat is lost.

Their legs are also covered with thick fur like the rest of their bodies, which acts as a thick blanket to keep the animal warm and comfortable. When they sleep they wrap their tails around their bodies for an extra layer of warmth.

2. They have an extensive underground tunnel system

Arctic foxes often travel through underground tunnels. They are capable of making extensive underground tunnel systems which they can use for resting, hiding or even travelling from one place to the other.

Just imagine a labyrinth of tunnels built below the surface, by these foxes! That is quite fascinating now, isn’t it?

3. Their fur changes colour from season to season

This is one of the most fascinating facts about arctic foxes that one can come across. This information will make you want to see one arctic fox with your own eyes.

As you can already read from the point heading, they indeed change colour from season to season. Their fur can either be white or bluish-grey or brown depending on what season it is. Isn’t that absolutely fascinating?

In winter, they are snowy white or bluish-grey and during summers it changes to brown.

4. Arctic foxes are very well known for their hunting styles

With a thick layer of fur covering their paws, it becomes almost impossible to hear an arctic fox sneak up on someone. This is a massive advantage to these animals as they can easily sneak up on smaller Arctic animals.

Additionally, in case they are unable to hunt, Arctic foxes often follow polar bears so that they can feed on the leftovers of whatever the polar bear hunts. Now that is crafty!

Arctic foxes can even eat berries if they find them.

5. These animals are capable of reducing their metabolism to a certain extent

Getting food in the snowy and harsh weather of the Arctic can be quite a challenge. That is the reason why polar bears hibernate; to make it through a few months without food. However, Arctic foxes do not hibernate.

But they do have a way to slow down their metabolism and heartbeat. When there is a scarcity of food, these foxes burrow in a hole in the snow and rest there for up to two weeks. This allows them to slow down their heartbeat and decrease the rate of metabolism.

6. Arctic foxes have a great sense of hearing and smell

When you live in the harsh weather of the Arctic where food is extremely scarce, it is better to develop senses that will help you locate food faster and in an efficient manner.

That is exactly what the Arctic foxes have developed; a keen sense of hearing and a great nose for smells. They can identify and locate their prey easily with the help of their senses. They can also locate a seal from a mile away by smell.

7. They are nomadic creatures by nature

Arctic foxes travel around with families but hunt alone. They prefer forming small groups and leading a nomadic life. Unless with their kits, these foxes will be usually seen roaming about the snowy landscape alone.

During the summer which is the breeding season, these foxes can be seen with their respective companions. Usually, one male will be there with two adult females and kits.

Keep in mind that only one female reproduces while the other one is the kit from a previous litter that stays back to looks after the kits. This means that only one is the mate and the other is a grown up female fox born to the couple from a previous breeding season.

8. Arctic foxes mate for life

Like their close cousins, the wolves, Arctic foxes too, mate for life. This means that once they choose a partner, they will be there with them till the end.

Keep in mind that they are nomadic creatures and they meet up at the dens during the breeding season. Usually, a female gives birth to 8 to 14 kits and can give birth, twice a year.

9. Climate change is a major threat to them

 Unfortunately, it has been found out that climate changes have a major impact on the Arctic foxes. They are not suited for warmer places and temperature rise can lead to food scarcity for these creatures.

Additionally, due to the rise in temperature, the red foxes, which are bigger in size, are expanding their territory. The smaller Arctic foxes are believed to be retreating for this reason as well.

Human beings are also a big threat to these animals. Both the coloured variations of Arctic foxes have been hunted for their thick fur by human beings. Native hunters have often chosen these animals to be on the receiving end of their hunting desires.

10. They are the smallest of the Canidae family

Arctic foxes belong to the Canidae family of animals. These animals are from the dog family with various shared characteristics and physical features. Arctic foxes happen to be the smallest members of this huge family!

11. Arctic foxes are ecological engineers

Yes, you read that correctly. In 2016, a research project was published which spoke and demonstrated that these animals were growing gardens around their dens. Since the tundra (where they are found) have very little vegetation, it is very easy to spot the dwelling of Arctic foxes because of the vegetation growing around them.

It was found that the condition of the soil increases drastically and their nutrients too, increase by leaps and bounds!

Arctic Fox Facts for Kids Video

If you like to consume information in video format, you can watch this video:

Arctic Fox Vs Arctic Wolf- What are the Major Differences?

One question might be there that is popping up in your heads. What is the difference between Arctic foxes and Arctic wolves? Well, they are both from the Canidae family of Canada and share some features. But they are different species and here, we have noted a few differences between them-

• The arctic foxes are the smallest of the dog family in Arctic and they are the size of a domestic cat. On the other hand, Arctic wolves are much larger in size but are smaller than Grey Wolves
• Unlike the Arctic foxes, Arctic wolves do not change the colour of their furs.
• Arctic wolves have often hunted Arctic foxes as they are much smaller in size and this makes the wolves stronger than the foxes.

Want to know some interesting fun facts about Arctic Wolves, read our article: 11 Amazing Arctic Wolf Facts for Kids

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

That is it, folks! You have managed to come to the end of the article ’11 Amazing Arctic Fox Facts for Kids.’ We hope you had a good time reading about these fascinating creatures and your little one too, enjoyed the article. Have a great day.