Arctic fox in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, Norway

© Andy Trowbridge/Minden Picture

Winter coat weather. Arctic fox in Norway

We’re visiting Norway’s Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, where this small Arctic fox is undergoing changes to prepare for the harsh Nordic winter. While others migrate or hibernate when the winter weather rolls in, the Arctic fox does neither. Instead, its thick fur coat transitions from brown and grey to a snowy white every autumn. The fox’s pelt acts as a camouflage, allowing it to blend in among the rocks and tundra for half of the year and, after turning white, hide in the snow and ice the other half.

Note the rounded ears and short muzzle, these protect the Arctic fox against frostbite. Even the bottom of the Arctic fox's paws are covered in fur, allowing it to stay on top of the snow and ice as it walks. This little fox will be able to play, hunt and wander the snowy tundra all winter, even in temperatures as low as -94°F! Stay warm, little fella.