Arctic Fox Molting Explained for 7-Year-Olds

What is Molting?

Molting is when animals like the Arctic fox lose their old fur and grow new fur. This helps them stay warm or cool depending on the season.

Why Do Arctic Foxes Molt?

Arctic foxes live in places where it's really cold in winter and warmer in summer. They need to change their fur to match the seasons:

• Winter: They grow thick, white fur that keeps them warm and helps them blend into the snowy environment.
• Summer: They shed the white fur and get thinner, brown or gray fur that helps them stay cooler and hides them in the rocks and plants.

How Does Molting Happen?

The Arctic fox’s old fur starts falling out in small patches, and new fur grows in its place. This process can take several weeks and happens twice a year – once in spring and once in fall.

Why is This Important?

Changing fur helps the Arctic fox survive. White fur in winter keeps it warm and hidden from predators, and darker fur in summer keeps it cool and camouflaged.

So, molting is like the Arctic fox changing its clothes for different seasons!