Den ecology of the Arctic fox in northern Alaska

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Author: Chesemore, David L.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1969
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Arctic; Arctic Fox; Ice; ice core; permafrost; Tundra; Alaska
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z69-021; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z69-021

During July and August 1962, 50 Arctic fox dens were studied on The Teshekpuk Lake Section of the Alaskan Arctic Slope. Depth to permafrost and soil texture govern location of fox dens in low. ice-core mounds with a minimum mound height of 1 m necessary for the establishment of a successful den. Soil temperatures at den sites were higher than those in nearby non-den habitats. The presence of the fox den alters plant growth near the burrow, changing the typical tundra community into a lush, vigorous one dominated by grasses.