Arctic fox
Geography: Canada, Northwest Territories
Date: Original collection date unknown; reaccessioned on September 15, 1999
Dimensions:length=36; width=19; height=12 inches
Taxonomy
- Attributes
- Objects
- Taxonomy
- Kingdom:
Animalia
- Phylum:
Chordata
- Class:
Mammalia
- Order:
Carnivora
- Family:
Canidae
- Genus:
Alopex
- SpecificEpithet:
lagopus
Object number: 111485
DescriptionThe Arctic fox lives on the Arctic tundra, feeding on small rodents like voles and lemmings. The fox population cycles in response to its prey population levels—when rodent numbers are high, the fox numbers increase and vice a versa. These agile hunters have a keen sense of sight and hearing. Skin mounts are prepared by a taxidermist and their poses are life-like. These mounts are used almost exclusively for display. Occasionally they are used for other educational purposes or as models by artists.
