1. Species
  2. Arctic Fox

Arctic Fox

  1. Species
  2. Arctic Fox
Arctic Fox
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Facts

  • Status
    Least Concern
  • Population
    Several hundred thousand
  • Scientific Name
    Vulpes lagopus
  • Height
    11 inches
  • Weight
    3 to 20 pounds
  • Length
    18 to 27 inches
  • Habitats
    Tundra

Map data provided by IUCN.

The Arctic fox is primarily a carnivore that lives inland, away from the coasts. They are dependent on the presence of smaller animals (most often lemmings) to survive.  Arctic foxes also hunt for sea birds, fish, and other marine life. Smaller rodent populations waver between times of abundance and scarcity, which leaves the Arctic fox vulnerable when these creatures are low in numbers.

Browse Photos & Videos

Critically endangered Arctic foxes successfully breed in Finland

This is the first time in over 25 years that the Arctic fox has successfully bred in Finland. In recent years, more Arctic fox observations have been made at the feeding stations maintained by Metsähallitus, National Parks Finland, and WWF, making breeding expected.

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Arctic foxes photographed from the distance in a snowy mountain landscape

Why They Matter

  • The protection of the Arctic fox ensures the safety of a variety of other wildlife in the Arctic region.

Threats

  • Population Several hundred thousand
  • Extinction Risk Least Concern
    1. EX
      Extinct

      No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died

    2. EW
      Extinct in the Wild

      Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population

    3. CR
      Critically Endangered

      Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild

    4. EN
      Endangered

      Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild

    5. VU
      Vulnerable

      Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild

    6. NT
      Near Threatened

      Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future

    7. LC
      Least Concern

      Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened

Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway.

The scarcity of prey is the most prevalent threat for the Arctic fox. Disease and genetic pollution of the species by foxes bred in captivity also threatens this species.

Climate Change

Temperatures in the Arctic are rising at twice the rate of the rest of the world. Warming temperatures are linked to many changes in the Arctic, including reduced sea ice, melting permafrost and rising sea levels.

Hunting

The Arctic fox was impacted tremendously by the fur trade because of its extremely high quality pelt. It's still hunted now for its fur, particularly by native populations who live in close proximity to them. The fur trade has decreased dramatically and the Arctic fox is not as vulnerable to overexploitation as it once was.

What WWF Is Doing

Arctic fox licks nose

WWF works to make sure fragile ecosystems are supported and protected. We mitigate the effects of climate change to ensure the survival of the Arctic fox and other species.

How You Can Help

Take Action

Join us to make change. Speak up for species and places through WWF's Action Center.

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