The cute little arctic fox, Alopex lagopus. The powder puff of the fox world. She leads a harsh life in the snow and ice, where friends can turn to enemies in the blink of an eye. Starvation makes the rules and knows no limits.

Appearance and Physical Facts:

The arctic fox is a fluffy, thick coated fox with small ears and fur-covered feet. It has a small muzzle along with the ears to help prevent heat-loss which gives it a cat-like appearance. The arctic fox is usually thought of as to have white fur. Usually, this is not true. In the summer time, the average arctic fox actually has a greenish-yellow coat and during the winter, a creamy white color with white markings. There is however, a type of arctic fox that never actually turns white. She is a bluish-gray color year round. This variety known as the blue fox is most commonly found near the oceans and on islands where there is less snow. In western Greenland, as much as half or more of the arctic foxes are blue. In Canada, less than one percent are blue.
Arctic foxes live to be up to 13 years old. Their mating season is April through June. The foxes mate for life and often mate twice a year. The first litter is born in April or June and the second is born July or August. Their gestation period is 52 days and they then give birth to an average of anywhere from 4-14 kits, yet the highest recorded birth has been 25 kits!
Character:

They make dens that consist of one adult male, two females, and the year’s litter(s). Only one female mates, the other stays there to help take care of the second of the two litters of the year. They don’t hibernate, but stay active all year round, scavenging for any vegetables or animals they can possibly find. The foxes often follow polar bears and eat the carrion they leave behind. This is a dangerous practice though, as polar bears sometimes turn on the foxes out of hunger.
The arctic fox enjoys hanging out by the ocean or in the tundra or mountains. The arctic fox spreads throughout the arctic. It is common in Canada, Alaska, and Greenland.

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Additional perspectives and cultural viewpoints on the fox animal meanings are as follows:

In China, fox animal symbolism revolved around the afterlife. Lore has it that a fox sighting was thought to be a signal from the spirits of the deceased.

Overwhelmingly, cultural consensus on fox animal symbolism deals with:
• cunning
• strategy
• quick-thinking
• adaptability
• cleverness
• wisdom

Fox animal symbolism takes a turn of intelligence in the Celtic realm, as the Celts believed the fox to be a guide, and was honored for its wisdom. The Celts understood the fox knows the woods intimately, and they would rely upon the fox as their guide in the spirit world.
In Japan, the fox was considered one of the rain spirits, and a messenger of Inari the rice god. Here the fox also symbolizes longevity and protection from evil.

In Native American lore, fox animal symbolism deals with two interpretations. One perspective (Northern tribes) observes the fox as a wise and noble messenger. The other (Plains tribes) views the fox as a trickster playing pranks, or worse – luring one to demise.

Other generalized fox symbolic meanings deal with
• focus
• determination
• right-action
It is noteworthy to observe the fox while it is on the hunt. We see its entire body is pointed like an arrow – straight and tightly aimed. This is a symbolic message for us to set a determined, and powerfully focused mindset in order to “hit the target” of our desires.

The red in the fox is representative of a solar emblem. As a solar emblem the fox animal symbolism deals with:
• passion
• desire
• intensity
• expression

The fox encourages us to think outside of the box and use our intelligence in different, creative ways. The fox also brings us a message to try to approach our circumstances differently that we normally would. Be aware of some of our habits, and try a different angle of action.
The fox also a reminder that we must utilize all of our resources (seen and unseen) in order to accomplish our goals. Sometimes this means calling upon some unorthodox methods.

Furthermore, the fox is a sign to be mindful of our surroundings.
Immaculate shapeshifters and incredibly adaptable, the fox beckons us to not make too many waves but rather, adapt to our surroundings, and use our surroundings (and circumstances) to our advantage.