Question

Why and how do arctic foxes change their colour of fur during winter and summer season?

Answer 1

The Arctic fox is well adapted to live in the cold Arctic region. In winter its thick, bushy coat turns white. This makes it very hard to see the fox. The prey is not able to spot the Arctic fox until it is too late. Because of its thick coat, it is able to survive in freezing cold temperatures. Thick hair on the pads of their feet protects their feet from freezing and helps them to walk on ice without slipping. It uses ice floes to travel in search of food in the winter. It can curl up in the snow and cover its nose and face with its bushy tail to keep warm.
In the summer the fox will hide food in its den or under rocks. This is how it stores food for later use. When the snow starts to melt, the fox sheds its winter coat for a thinner greyish-brown coat. Near the end of summer the Arctic fox begins to grow a thicker coat again. The color of the fur turns grey and then white. The oily fur sheds water and helps to keep the fox dry.