The Arctic fox, Vulpes lagopus, is a resilient predator inhabiting the extreme environments of the Arctic and alpine tundras across the Northern Hemisphere. This small canid, adapted to life in one of Earth’s harshest climates, navigates landscapes characterized by permafrost and extensive snow cover for much of the year. Its diet reveals how this species thrives in such a challenging habitat.
Mainstay of the Arctic Fox Diet
The Arctic fox’s diet is diverse, reflecting its opportunistic nature as an omnivore and scavenger. Small rodents, particularly lemmings and voles, form the primary component of their diet, especially during summer when these prey animals are abundant. Arctic fox populations are closely linked to cyclical changes in lemming populations. When lemmings are plentiful, a single fox family can consume dozens of these rodents daily.
Beyond small mammals, Arctic foxes also prey on birds, their eggs, and chicks, particularly in coastal areas with seabird colonies. Species like auklets, puffins, and murres contribute to their food sources. They also consume other small mammals such as hares, and can prey on ringed seal pups when vulnerable in their snow dens during April and May. Their diet can also include insects, fish, and berries, demonstrating their adaptability.
Hunting Strategies and Adaptations
Arctic foxes employ various hunting strategies and possess adaptations that enable them to secure food. Their acute sense of hearing helps locate prey, such as lemmings and voles, moving through tunnels beneath snow up to 2 feet deep. Once prey is detected, the fox uses a distinctive pouncing technique, often called “mousing,” where it leaps into the air and plunging headfirst into the snow to precisely capture its target.
Their exceptional sense of smell also plays a significant role in foraging, allowing them to detect prey hidden under snow and locate carrion from large distances. Arctic foxes scavenge on carcasses left by larger predators like polar bears and wolves. When food is abundant, they exhibit caching behavior, burying excess food items, such as seabirds or eggs, in dens or under rocks for later consumption during leaner periods.
Seasonal Dietary Shifts
The Arctic fox’s diet changes with the seasons, adapting to fluctuating food availability. During spring and summer, prey like lemmings, voles, and migratory birds are abundant, providing a rich and diverse food supply. This period allows foxes to build fat reserves and provision their young.
As winter approaches and the landscape becomes covered in deep snow, food becomes scarcer, leading to a shift in foraging habits. During colder months, Arctic foxes rely more heavily on cached food reserves. They also increase scavenging activities, seeking out the remains of marine mammals and other animals killed by larger predators, sometimes venturing long distances over sea ice.