It is believed that some dens have been in use with intervals for hundreds or even thousands of years

Arctic Fox

The arctic fox is the only mammal that did not come to Iceland with humans. The first animals are thought to have come to the country on sea ice at the end of the last ice age, 10.000 years ago. There are two main colour variations in the Icelandic population, white and blue (which is more common). Foxes live in pairs and defend demarcated territories from other foxes. They look for food in their area and mark it with urine. The fox pair help each other with raising their kits. Sometimes their daughters from the previous year even stay to help with the upbringing of younger siblings. For this reason it may be said that foxes are family oriented by nature.

Type of family

Dog, vixen and cub/kit

Mating season

Early spring

Number of young

6 on average

Arrival time in Iceland

Around 10.000 years ago

Weight

3.2-5.8 kg

Pregnancy period

52-53 days

Uses

Fur

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