Unlike some Arctic mammals, these foxes do not hibernate and can withstand temperatures as low as -50 degrees Celsius.

Subspecies
Nine subspecies.

Life span
Arctic foxes seldom live for more than 10 years.

Statistics
Body length: 50-70cm, Tail length: 28-40cm, Standing height: 28-32cm, Weight: 2.5-8kg.

Physical description
Arctic foxes are pure white in winter and grey-brown in summer. They can also be light brown, grey, chocolate, or black with a bluish hue.

Distribution
Arctic foxes live in the Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America.

Habitat
They like to roam in the tundra, usually near the coast.

Diet
Arctic foxes are omnivorous, but feed particularly on small mammals (lemmings), eggs, carrion and berries.

Behaviour
Young Arctic foxes are cared for by both parents

Reproduction
Arctic foxes have a gestation period of 49-56 days, after which they give birth to 6-12 cubs. The young weigh 50-150g at birth.

Conservation status
Arctic foxes are not threatened.