Arctic fox – Alopex lagopus

The Arctic fox is a very endangered mammal in Finland. According to estimates in 2001, there were 10-20 Arctic foxes living in Finland, but in 2004 only eight individuals were spotted.

There are two threatened species that are specially monitored in Northern Lapland:  Arctic fox and gyrfalcon. For both species, observations made by tourists are incredibly important.

The Arctic fox is a canine smaller than a regular fox: the body is 55-65 cm long, the tail is 30-35 cm, and it weighs 3-5 kg. The Arctic fox stands around 30 cm at the withers. Its fur is completely white, and brownish grey in the summer.


Photo: Martti Rikkonen

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