The Arctic fox

The arctic fox lives further north than any other fox. It can often be found in Northern and western Alaska and the southern to northern territories of Canada. Other common areas where these animals are found are in Russia, Greenland and northern Quebec. The arctic fox's adaptation to its sub-zero habitat includes a compact body with short legs, short ears, dense fur, and thickly haired foot pads. The compact body with short legs provides a low surface area: volume ratio to minimise heat loss, whilst the thickly haired foot pads insulate against the cold and provide traction on ice. Arctic fox feed primarily on small mammals, including lemmings and tundra voles. Fox denning near rocky cliffs along the seacoast often depend heavily on nesting seabirds such as auklets and puffins to give themselves sufficient energy during the cold winter months to survive. The arctic fox is able to catch lemmings and small rodents under the snow. This gives them an advantage over many other animals in cold environment because they can often find extra food when all their normal diet is either eaten or migrated. The Arctic fox walk along on top of the snow listening for the small creatures under the snow. When they hear one they jump up and down to break through the snow with their front paws. Once the snow is broken they can grab their prey and benefit from the nutrients they provide.