VOLE
Vole populations can increase very rapidly. Mama vole is pregnant for just three weeks before giving birth to litters of 5-10 baby voles. Then, the young voles become sexually mature in just one month! If you have one pregnant vole in your yard, within a year you could have over a hundred of the little critters.
The arctic fox is a mammal that is remarkably well adapted to its native environment in the Arctic region of the northern hemisphere. One adaptation is that its thick fur is brown in the summer and white in the winter.
The primary prey for an Arctic fox varies depending on its location and the availability of food. Arctic foxes are opportunistic predators and scavengers, and their diet can include a range of items. Here are some common prey items for Arctic foxes:
- Small Mammals: Arctic foxes feed on small mammals such as lemmings, voles, and Arctic hares. Lemmings, in particular, are a crucial part of the Arctic fox’s diet when they are abundant.
- Birds: Arctic foxes may prey on birds, especially during the breeding season when eggs and chicks are available. They may target ground-nesting birds such as ptarmigans.
- Carrion: Arctic foxes are scavengers and will feed on the carcasses of animals left behind by larger predators. They may scavenge on remains of seals, polar bears, or other animals.
- Fish: In coastal areas, Arctic foxes may include fish in their diet. They scavenge on fish carcasses and may also catch small fish in shallow waters.
- Invertebrates: Insects and other invertebrates can be part of the Arctic fox’s diet, especially during the warmer months when they are more active.
Arctic foxes are well-adapted to survive in harsh Arctic environments where food availability can be unpredictable. Their ability to switch between hunting, scavenging, and storing food for later consumption helps them cope with the challenges of the Arctic ecosystem.
