What is the main prey of the Arctic fox?
FEEDING: Arctic foxes are opportunistic feeders, eating practically any animal alive or dead. They rely on populations of rodents, especially lemmings, voles, and other small mammals. They will also eat birds, insects, eggs, berries, reptiles, and amphibians.
Does the arctic fox have any prey?
Arctic foxes prey on lemmings, voles, hares, fish, snow geese eggs, ptarmigan, grouse, puffins, ringed seal pups, reindeer, berries, and seaweed.
How do arctic foxes eat their prey?
With their wide (but short) ears, Arctic foxes can hear prey moving even under snow. Once they have located their next meal, Arctic foxes pounce straight into the air, then right down on top of their prey.
Is an Arctic fox a predator or prey or both?
The Arctic fox is a predator of lemmings, ground-nesting seabirds, young seals, and a variety of other small wildlife. Because the lemming is its primary food source, the Arctic fox population is very closely linked with the lemming population.
What are 3 adaptations of a Arctic fox?
Arctic foxes have several adaptations that allow them to survive. Their round, compact bodies minimize surface area that is exposed to the cold air. Their muzzle, ears, and legs are short, which also conserves heat.
How does the Arctic fox protect itself from predators?
Arctic foxes have sharp teeth and claws that are effective during hunting and for self-defense against larger predators. Their coats camouflage enables them to blend with the surrounding environment and hide from predators. During winter, the coat turns white to blend in with the snow.
Why are humans predators to arctic foxes?
Snowy owls, golden eagles, polar bears, wolverines and red foxes all prey on arctic foxes as well as humans and their dogs. They have been hunted by humans for their thick white fur (extensively so in Iceland) and have been captured and bred on fur farms.
What is the Arctic fox ecosystem?
tundra habitat
The arctic fox is found in treeless coastal areas of Alaska from the Aleutian Islands north to Point Barrow and east to the Canada border. They prefer tundra habitat, usually near rocky shores, and have been observed ranging far out onto pack ice in winter.