Arctic Fox

by Hamilton G

This book tells the fascinating story of the arctic fox, from its evolutionary beginnings to its current life in the far north: mating and raising a family, hunting and scavenging, its relationship with the polar bear and other arctic inhabitants, the fur trade, and the never-ending struggle for survival in a fragile and vanishing environment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Natural History, Science, Animals, Nature

232 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2008

Reviews

[Roberta Decenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book really fascinating and inspiring to learn how this species survives against all odds. Includes lots of beautiful pictures and well thought out information on the Arctic Fox. This was an excellent read and I’m glad I picked it up.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart and information-packed non-fiction, amazing photographs. Written in a lively, almost tongue-in-cheek voice that makes it far more interesting than a textbook. Covers a lot of ground, from foxes as a species in general, to the trials and tribulations of living in the Arctic, to the foxes' (unbeneficial, for the most part, eg trapping for fur) encounters with humanity, modern concerns of global warming and climate change, etc...

Foxes are really incredible animals, and arctic foxes are arguably some of the most incredibly adapted of them all.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a fascinating and enjoyable book that delivers both from the scientific perspective and that of a can’t-put-down story. Although the focus is on the Arctic Fox, this small (and adorable!) animal serves as the glue to a broader history and description of the the flora, fauna, geography and — particularly — weather of the top of the world, a place both intriguing and frightening.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Learned a lot about the fox, and it's habitat.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding information on the arctic fox's livelihood, and wonderful pictures included. Although the first part seemed rather bland (I became too busy to continue reading, until 4 months later) it quickly became fascinating, to the point where I finished the rest within a few days. The fact that these compact fluff balls are able to survive at -100 degrees Fahrenheit completely astounded me.

Interestingly, the author provides a comprehensive review of the arctic fox. He takes an in depth look at creatures that the arctic fox interacts with- lemmings (which he disproves the suicidal tendencies that Walt Disney purported, of course through manipulated means), red foxes ( a predator of arctic foxes, and a tough rival), polar bears ( follow in hopes of food from a carcass), geese (eggs= nutritional), etc. Along with the arctic foxes curious ability to roam incredible distances.

The later part covered humanities impact upon the arctic fox, which as usual, became incredibly cringe worthy ( fur trapping boom, leading trappers to use leg traps to catch the inquisitive foxes, leaving the fox to die in a nasty, excruciating manner, or legislation that requires farmers to kill arctic foxes). Of course, the infamous topic of climate change is covered. With rising temperatures, the red fox will be able to press further into the north, encroaching on arctic fox territory. However, the isolated islands (from the red fox) should provide some respite for the arctic foxes, and hopefully will recover in population.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arctic Foxes are incredible. I had no idea just how much so until I read this book. We became interested in Arctic Foxes because we have an Icelandic Sheepdog that looks a whole lot like one. But for the longest time the only books on Arctic Foxes were written for children. Then finally along comes Gary Hamilton with his thorough, scholarly book on the subject. And what a fascinating subject it is! Arctic Foxes are really one of nature's superheroes; an evolutionary marvel. As Hamilton points out, studies have shown there is no temperature that planet Earth can produce too cold for this animal. They are the consummate survivors. Even decades of human exploitation were seemingly taken in stride by the species.

As a book, Arctic Fox is surprisingly good, especially for a natural history book. Hamilton's writing really picks up a few chapters in (the opening reads a bit like a term paper). But once he gets going, he guides the reader quite expertly through some very dense material. And not only on the foxes, a good bit of time is devoted to their environment as well. Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention the spectacular photography included throughout the book.

For anyone with an interest in Arctic Foxes, this is THE book to read.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is worth the time just for some of beautiful photos of the arctic. The rest of the book is a great read about the history of the arctic fox in the north and all the challenges it has and is currently facing. In additional to highlighting many of the things we still don't understand. The Arctic Fox is truly a wonderful creature, a hardy critter of the north, with plenty of mysteries.

[Meredith Overstreet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a remarkable animal!