Let's talk about one of the snow-covered tundra Aboriginal - Arctic foxes.It is very interesting predator.We'll show you where he lives, it looks like and what to eat.
habitat and appearance
Far Russian polar region rich in wonderful, colorful inhabitants.One of the most interesting - a rare smartest animal fox.Living in the harsh conditions of the tundra, where the thermometer can drop to -50ยบ C, the representative of the extensive canine - the only one who manifests a unique property, a seasonal dimorphism (ie change of color).This feature is inherent in some types of birds.Summer version of the "clothes" of the polar fox - a dark, sometimes brown fur that is on the belly becomes grayish.But the northern winter camouflage cunning beast - brilliant snow-white coat with silky long nap and thick undercoat.Against the background of new snow fox can be detected only by the embers of the nose.The peoples of the Far North the most keen, skilful and dexterous regarded hunter who tracks down the fox for this black spot.
Decoration tundra animal arctic fox is a unique color - gray with blue, coffee and sand and silver.Such individuals styled "blue" for a wonderful winter fur.On the mainland, the number of such instances is small.But some of the island can boast prevalence is unsuited individuals.
Reproduction
Many people think that fox - a herd animal, but this is not true.Form of the population - small flocks.As well as close relatives of the wolves, arctic foxes are monogamous.Family of polar foxes consists of parents, grown-year-old females and broods this year.But every rule has an exception, and that's the Commander Islands, in isolation from the mainland, foxes do not form lasting pairs.
Each family has their own housing - hole, clever foxes are located near the water in the soil stability.Spring warmth returns to his homeland for the Nomads reproduction.If the old housing is already occupied by another pair, the beasts are content with natural shelters - a rock crevice.
rearing
jack for future offspring foxes line the soft moss and dry grass.Pregnancy lasts 57 days and the number of babies (usually 7-12 pups) depends on the weight of the mother and prey in the hunting grounds couples.
male becomes the sole breadwinner of the family in the first two months of life, infants, and young female takes care of fully until the end of autumn, teaching them to hunt and helping to adapt to a hard existence on the icy expanses of the Arctic.Not all babies will survive the cold and the constant shortage of food.Only the most intelligent, hardy and healthy springtime able to return to their homes.
Power
furry animal inhabits the distant tundra and forest tundra.The huge territory of its range - Greenland, the Arctic and subarctic zone of Russia, Canada and Alaska.
White fox - animal, constantly migrating in search of food.Lacking the sharp vision, an animal relies more on an excellent sense of smell and sensitive hearing.Normal diet fox - Polar lemming mouse, the stolen bird eggs, deftly caught hares and primorozhennaya carrion.Often it comes in the wake of the polar bear and eats the remains of a "master's table" smart stubborn animal.Arctic fox does not neglect and vegetarian food - in his menu there are berries, juicy grass, seaweed and fresh fish.These animals almost the whole day very mobile: even extracting food, they play a lot of time with each other and running around.
fox hunt - animal tundra, perfectly adapted to the extreme conditions.Hunt furry predator under the moon, at dawn or a quiet sunset.And in the long polar night looking for prey makes the Northern Lights.
noisy in windy weather or very cold days wisely foxes dig deeper into the snow hole, sweeping entrance of heavy wind and cold.Wait out the violence of the northern element helps thrifty animal - a permanent hoarding food residues sometimes rescues him from starving to death under a layer of shelter.
Foxes extremely friendly and trusting.Often, the animals run into settlements with the aim of selfish gain, sometimes even take food from the hand of man.The duration of their arduous life of an average of about 8 years, and the population size depends on the amount of the main food source - a lemming.
Conclusion Now that you know what is interesting is a beautiful animal.Arctic fox - is not only a beautiful collar or a luxurious fur coat on the shoulders of fashionistas.This valuable fur animal - one of those who gives life expanses of the Far North, as a representative of a very fragile ecological system and taking it a niche.We hope that the information obtained in the course of reading, piqued your interest to other inhabitants of our country.
