Arctic Foxes Constant Gardeners Of The Arctic - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic Foxes: Constant Gardeners of the Arctic

Arctic Foxes: Constant Gardeners of the Arctic

Given how widespread their habitat is, it is little wonder that Arctic foxes are one of the animals we most often see during our Greenland and Svalbard expeditions. The Arctic fox is a circumpolar species whose feeding grounds include North America, Eurasia, even Iceland, ranging from nearly the North Pole all the way down to the sub-Arctic islands.

Whether you find yourself in the Bering Strait, the Gulf of Alaska, or the southern reaches of Hudson Bay, you stand a fair chance of spotting these well-insulated vulpines. Here we’ll cover some of their most distinguishing traits - followed by a fact-filled fox video below!

blog-image

Arctic foxes are small but insulated

Arctic foxes usually grow to be 46 – 68 cm (1.5 – 2.23 feet) long, around 28 cm (11 inches) high at the shoulder, and weigh between 1.4 – 9 kg (3 – 19 pounds). These modest dimensions come in handy in the Arctic, however, reducing the amount of body surface area exposed to the cold.

The dense fur of the Arctic fox is also one of the most insulating coats of any mammal, helping the species survive at temperatures up to -80°C (-112°F). In addition, Arctic foxes have a specially adapted circulation system in their foot pads.

blog-image

Their fur adapts to their surroundings

The Arctic fox is not always white. During the summer months, it comes in a variety of colors, from dark gray to brown to bluish brown. During the winter, most Arctic foxes turn white to adapt to the snowy surroundings. Between 1 - 3% are so-called “blue foxes” that have a smoky blue color and remain darker in winter.

Arctic foxes live in tundra regions on the edge of forests in summer, and their fur provides good camouflage. In the winter, Arctic foxes are commonly found on ice floes, where their white fur helps them hide even in plain sight. Svalbard has a higher population of blue foxes than other Arctic areas.

blog-image

Arctic foxes have a nomadic lifestyle

The Arctic fox is a nomadic species, moving from one place to another to look for food. As it is also able to swim, the Arctic fox is known for its far-ranging distances, which exceed any other mammal except humans.

During the seasonal movements over the autumn and winter period, there have been instances of Arctic foxes traveling over 800 km (500 miles) from the shoreline and totaling 4,500 km (2,800 miles) over a single winter.

blog-image

Surviving the winter is an Arctic fox talent

To survive through the winter with minimal supplies of food, Arctic foxes store body fat. During the summer and autumn, they eat as much as they can, building up a layer of fat that acts as an insulator and food reserve during the cold, lean winter months.

Additionally, Arctic foxes store food by burying it for later use. Sometimes these hidden supplies cannot be relied on, however, as winter storms may cover them up. When storms are at their worst, Arctic foxes hide in their sheltered dens and might go without food for several weeks.

blog-image

Arctic fox dens are as safe as houses

The Arctic fox breeds between February and April, with births taking place between April and July following a gestation period of 52 – 54 days. How many cubs are born is dependent on food availability, though 5 – 10 cubs are produced on average. When food is abundant, as many as 19 cubs may be born.

Young Arctic foxes are brought up inside complex dens that provide shelter and protection from predators. Some dens are centuries old, used by generation after generation of Arctic foxes. Over time, these dens become larger, and some have been found with over 150 entrances.

blog-image

Shared parenting is popular among Arctic foxes

Both Arctic fox parents contribute to the raising of the young. The female provides milk for the first three weeks and very seldom leaves the den. During this time, the male brings back food. Once the cubs start eating, the female also goes out hunting. When both parents head out, there is often a female babysitter that looks after the cubs.

The second female never breeds with the male but is only there to help care for the young. Usually the babysitter comes from the offspring from the previous year. After 8 – 10 weeks, the cubs become independent, reaching full maturity at 10 months.

blog-image

They establish territories with their mates

Arctic foxes are monogamous, with each pair establishing a territory that they use for several years. In Svalbard, the size of Arctic fox territory can vary widely between 3 - 60 square km (1 - 23 square miles). The territory size is dependent on the location of Arctic fox dens, as foxes that den on the coast have a smaller territory than those found inland.

blog-image

Arctic foxes have an open appetite

The Arctic fox eats what it can find, including lemmings, ground squirrels, insects, seabirds, eggs, fish, and berries. It even hunts live ringed seal pups in their chambers below the snow. Over the winter when food is scarce, Arctic foxes often follow polar bears and wolves, waiting to snack on their leftovers.

When times are really tough, they may even resort to eating the feces of other animals. Arctic foxes can also reduce their metabolic rate by half while still remaining active, conserving energy while they search for food.

blog-image

Differing DNA signatures indicate mass migrations

Scientists have analyzed DNA samples from the ancient remains of Icelandic Arctic foxes dating from the 9th to the 12th century and compared them to DNA from modern Arctic foxes. They found that the ancient Arctic foxes shared a single genetic signature, while the modern population possesses five unique signatures.

The scientists reasoned that this explosion in genetic diversity is due to Arctic foxes migrating across the sea ice during the Little Ice Age. Even today, Arctic foxes routinely travel far distances across sea ice.

blog-image

Arctic foxes are habitual gardeners

On top of being naturally photogenic, Arctic foxes are great for local vegetation. By depositing nutrients in and around their dens through urination, defecation, and leftovers from previous kills, they have been known to grant these areas 70% more inorganic nitrogen and nearly 2000% more extractable phosphorous than surrounding sites.

In August, Arctic fox dens can support nearly three times as much vegetation biomass as normal. The result is rich tundra around their dens, providing extra plant diversity for other herbivores who are attracted to lush vegetation.

blog-image

Four follow-up facts about the Arctic fox

1. Researchers do not know how long Arctic foxes have lived in Svalbard, but they probably arrived over the last 10,000 years, after the last ice age.

2. Though the Arctic fox usually hunts alone, it is a social animal - unlike other species of fox that are always alone unless with a mate or offspring.

3. Arctic foxes can recognise each other from their scent, and female offspring often come back to visit their mothers later in life.

4. The territories Arctic fox mates establish often overlap with those of other fox couples.

blog-image

Still eager for more fox fun? Don't miss our Arctic fox facts video

You've made it to the end of the article. You deserve some leisure time. Put your feet up and enjoy our video, where we'll show you Arctic fox sightings we've had on our voyages. Consider it preparation for when you're seeing them with us!

Best Deals

Related Trips

East and South Greenland Explorer, Incl. flight from Narsarsuaq to Copenhagen - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

East and South Greenland Explorer, Incl. flight from Narsarsuaq to Copenhagen

calendar13 Aug 2025 - 02 Sep 2025
clock21 Days / 20 Nights
From $ 11.000 per person
Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

calendar23 Aug 2025 - 05 Sep 2025
clock14 Days / 13 Nights
From $ 7.450 per person
East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Akureyri

East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

calendar30 Aug 2025 - 08 Sep 2025
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.650 per person
South Greenland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Incl. flight from Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Narsarsuaq

South Greenland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Incl. flight from Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq

calendar02 Sep 2025 - 11 Sep 2025
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.150 per person
East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Akureyri

East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes

calendar05 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.650 per person
East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Constable Pynt

East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail

calendar01 Oct 2025 - 12 Oct 2025
clock12 Days / 11 Nights
From $ 5.900 per person
Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer Voyage - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer Voyage

calendar02 Aug 2026 - 15 Aug 2026
clock14 Days / 13 Nights
From $ 8.550 per person
Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer Voyage - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Northeast Greenland Solar Eclipse Explorer Voyage

calendar03 Aug 2026 - 16 Aug 2026
clock14 Days / 13 Nights
From $ 8.550 per person
Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland, Fly & Sail - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Longyearbyen

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland, Fly & Sail

calendar12 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
clock20 Days / 19 Nights
From $ 9.350 per person
Northeast Greenland Extreme - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Akureyri

Northeast Greenland Extreme

calendar15 Aug 2026 - 28 Aug 2026
clock14 Days / 13 Nights
From $ 8.550 per person
East Greenland, Scoresby Sund, Including Long Hikes - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Akureyri

East Greenland, Scoresby Sund, Including Long Hikes

calendar16 Aug 2026 - 25 Aug 2026
clock10 Days / 9 Nights
From $ 5.900 per person
East & South Greenland Explorer – Aurora Borealis - Nexta Expeditions
Arctic
Akureyri

East & South Greenland Explorer – Aurora Borealis

calendar25 Aug 2026 - 08 Sep 2026
clock15 Days / 14 Nights
From $ 8.350 per person

Blog
go-leftgo-right

The First Overwintering Hut in Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The First Overwintering Hut in Antarctica

In 1899, Carsten Borchgrevink and his nine crewmen became the first to spend the winter in a hut in Antarctica. (Technically, the Belgian Antarctic Expedition of 1897-1899 was the first to overwinter there, though this was done on their vessel after it was caught in ice.) Borchgrevink and his men spent the dark winter months isolated in a dirty hut, surrounded by equipment and sled dogs fighting each other outside.
Seven Things to Do around Ushuaia - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Seven Things to Do around Ushuaia

We often recommend arriving early to Ushuaia before embarking on an Antarctica cruise, and for good reason: Ushuaia, on top of being the southernmost city in the world, has in recent years developed into a decidedly charming tourist destination.
An igneous paradise: Franklin Island - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

An igneous paradise: Franklin Island

In the most remote reaches of the world's oceans, those daring enough to embark on the Ortelius to the Ross Sea eagerly boarded zodiacs in the southernmost part of the Pacific Ocean.
10 Traits of Post-Ice-Age Greenland - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

10 Traits of Post-Ice-Age Greenland

Grasses, sedges, and other species of heath were the first arrivals, and are still commonly found in Greenland. Scientists have been able to work out how plants colonised Greenland by examining ancient pollen samples found in deposits at the bottom of lakes: Dwarf birch came to western Greenland around 9,000 years ago, and around 4,500 years ago – roughly the same time humans were first boating onto Greenland shores – green alders were taking up residence there.
Eight Antarctic Misconceptions - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Eight Antarctic Misconceptions

Antarctica has given rise to some pretty far-fetched rumors.
15 Falkland Islands Bird Photos - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

15 Falkland Islands Bird Photos

The remote sub-Antarctic archipelago of the Falkland Islands is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a unique and abundant selection of birds, especially seabirds.
The Research Stations of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Research Stations of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic

Numerous research stations operate throughout the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, engaged in all manner of scientific inquiry. This article will cover the stations under the management of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), which conducts year-round terrestrial and atmospheric research in some of the most compelling polar locations on Earth.
Arctic Foxes: Constant Gardeners of the Arctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Arctic Foxes: Constant Gardeners of the Arctic

Given how widespread their habitat is, it is little wonder that Arctic foxes are one of the animals we most often see during our Greenland and Svalbard expeditions. The Arctic fox is a circumpolar species whose feeding grounds include North America, Eurasia, even Iceland, ranging from nearly the North Pole all the way down to the sub-Arctic islands.
Danger Beneath the Water: 10 Facts About Leopard Seals - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Danger Beneath the Water: 10 Facts About Leopard Seals

If your thirst for adventure leads you to Antarctica, you may be lucky enough to cross paths with a leopard seal while you’re there. These amazing animals are wonderful to observe both in and out of the water, and they are a coveted part of the polar wildlife experience.
Freshwater ecosystems in the Arctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Freshwater ecosystems in the Arctic

The Arctic, surprisingly, hosts a rich and varied array of freshwater ecosystems, including lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, deltas, and wetlands. Some of the world's largest rivers and deltas, such as the Lena, Ob, and Yenisei, are found in this region.
Adding Antarctica to Your Seven-Continents Bucket List - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Adding Antarctica to Your Seven-Continents Bucket List

Many travelers aspire to visit all seven continents, a goal that fits naturally with the concept of a "bucket list," a term popularized by the 2007 movie.
Flowers in Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Flowers in Antarctica

The polar regions are among the most inhospitable environments for plants and animals. Life here faces numerous challenges, including low temperatures, high winds, solar radiation, and cell freezing. The Antarctic continent experiences extreme conditions, with darkness during winter and continuous light during summer. Winter temperatures can drop to -60°C or lower.
The polar bear: king of the Arctic food chain - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The polar bear: king of the Arctic food chain

As apex predators, polar bears reign supreme in the Arctic food chain. Only humans pose a threat to this massive and majestic species. But one look at these magnificent creatures explains why so many people embark on Arctic trips hoping to spot a polar bear in its natural habitat.
Gough Island: Seabird Capital of the South Atlantic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Gough Island: Seabird Capital of the South Atlantic

Gough Island is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic, uninhabited except for a small party of meteorologists and (sometimes) biologists.
A Day of Whale Watching in Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

A Day of Whale Watching in Antarctica

This morning we awoke early to enjoy the first light in Wilhelmina Bay, with the snow and cloud blanketing the surrounding mountains. As dawn broke, we could see the blows of humpback whales scattered throughout the bay. Some of the whales were closer to the ship and we spotted their small dorsal fins and occasionally their white patterned tails. It was a terrific start to our first full day in Antarctica.
The Best Arctic and Antarctic Trips for Families - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Best Arctic and Antarctic Trips for Families

Polar expedition cruises are often enjoyed by couples and an increasing number of solo travelers, but they can also be a fantastic adventure for families. If you have the budget to bring the whole family along, there are various polar trips that will make everyone equally excited about the ice.
Greenland: Where the Kayak Was Invented - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Greenland: Where the Kayak Was Invented

If you've ever enjoyed kayaking, you owe a debt of gratitude to the ancient Greenlandic Inuit who originally designed them for hunting. The thrilling adventures people now have navigating some of the world's most challenging rapids wouldn't be possible without the Inuit's need for a nimble form of water transportation. While travelers still use kayaks in this region, they are typically not fishing, whaling, or sealing. Consequently, recreational kayaks have been adapted to fit their new role.
Five Reasons to Love St. Helena - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Five Reasons to Love St. Helena

Being one of the most remote islands on Earth gives St. Helena a unique allure. Named after a Roman empress and the mother of Constantine the Great, this island also holds the distinction of being Napoleon’s final place of exile, making it a fascinating topic of conversation.
The Eight Albatrosses of Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

The Eight Albatrosses of Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic

Our guests are typically wildlife enthusiasts, with a particular interest in bird life. While many bird lovers focus on the penguins we encounter, there's a smaller yet equally passionate group that favors the more airborne seabirds. Among this birdwatching subset, the albatross is a species that garners (and deserves) significant attention.
Antarctica: When to Visit, How to Plan, What to Expect - Nexta Expeditions
Blog

Antarctica: When to Visit, How to Plan, What to Expect

Antarctica is an astonishing location loved in equal measure by ice enthusiasts and continent hoppers, but it also asks a lot in return for its prestigious polar status.