Arctic fox denning behavior in northern Alaska

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Abstract
The behavior of nine families of denning arctic foxes was studied from blinds erected near occupied dens from June to August 1976 in the Prudhoe Bay area and from June to August 1978 and 1979 in the Colville River Delta area of northern Alaska. Six hundred and forty-eight hours of data representing 27 continuous 24-h observation periods were analyzed. Pups first appeared above ground in June, when they were 3–4 weeks old. Observability of pups at dens increased until they were 8 weeks old, at which time they began spending time away from dens. Both the adult female and male returned to the den periodically with prey for pups; however, the adult female provided a larger proportion of their food than adult males. As pups grew older, the adults returned to the den less frequently. Adult interactions with pups were generally limited to the transfer of food which was relinquished to the first pups to reach the adult. Interactions between adults were rare, as both adults were seldom in the vicinity of the den at the same time. Social behavior was most frequently observed between littermates and usually involved some form of play; however, the most prevalent pup behaviors observed were nonsocial. Aggression between siblings was uncommon and never led to serious injury of the participants.

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