Arctic fox, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, Norway

© Andy Trowbridge/Minden Picture

Info. Arctic fox

We’re visiting Norway’s Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella National Park, where this small but mighty Arctic fox is undergoing changes to prepare for the cold, Nordic winter. While animals have many ways to adapt to winter weather, such as migrating, hibernating and growing thick fur, the Arctic fox does none of this. Instead, its thick fur coat changes from brown and grey to a snowy white every autumn. The fox’s fur 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.

The Arctic fox’s rounded ears and short muzzle protect it against frostbite. Even the bottom of the fox's paws are covered in fur, allowing it to stay atop 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 frigid Arctic temperatures.