Arctic Fox

We all agree that the Arctic Fox is adorable, but don't be fooled by its cuteness; this is one tough cookie! It is one of just a few species that have adapted 1 to flourish in the worst winter circumstances and withstand some of the lowest temperatures on the planet, surviving year-round in the icy tundra of the Arctic in the northern hemisphere. This resilient fox can live in temperatures as low as 58 degrees below zero and gusts of up to 50 or 60 miles per hour.

When it's exceedingly cold, a behavioral adaptation to flourishing in a severely cold environment is to preserve energy by not moving around much. During warmer conditions, Arctic foxes will hunt and cache food, knowing where those caches are so that they have snacks ready when they truly need them — without having to exert energy when temperatures drop.

An Arctic fox has a dazzling white coat with dense hair that traps air, allowing it to maintain a steady body temperature. It digs a hole with its four powerful paws to have a warm place to sleep. The overall conservation status of these foxes is unconcerned. Certain populations in several Nordic nations, however, are gravely threatened.

Scientific Name: Alopex lagopus

Resilient Animal for Surviving Extreme Cold: Can Live at 58 Degrees Below Zero