Foxes

Wapusk National Park is located where the boreal forest transitions to the Arctic tundra. It is a meeting place for red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus). Adapted for warmer climates, the red fox is generally found in the southern forests. The arctic fox is specially adapted to life in the north, living in the northern tundra. Towards the transition between the boreal forest and tundra, the species cohabitate and compete for resources.

Both species of fox prey on small mammals and nesting bird populations, like lemmings and bird eggs. The red fox is considered a general animal, as it can live in many climates and make use of different food sources.

Compared to the arctic fox, the red fox is larger and heavier, with a longer snout and ears. In the summer, the coat of the red fox changes density, but not colour. Despite their name, the red fox is not always red! They are seen in the wild with two other colour patterns: silver and cross. Cross is a lighter brown with dark markings across their back and front legs. They can always be distinguished by a white tip on their tail.

The arctic fox is more common in the northern section of Wapusk, where the environment is harsher. With the thickest winter coat of any animal on earth, the arctic fox keeps warm in severe winter weather. Their pure white coat gives them the ability to blend in with the snow-covered ice and tundra. In the summer months, their coat is shorter, less dense, and brown in colour, giving them important camouflage.