Winter movements of Arctic foxes, Alopex lagopus, in a petroleum development area.

Abstract

Dispersal of Arctic Foxes from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, took place in the fall and late winter-early spring periods. Most juveniles remained in their natal home ranges through at least January and relatively few individuals participated in fall dispersal. The late winter-early spring dispersal involved a large proportion of marked animals and may be related to breeding activities. Arctic fox use of developed sites and associated garbage and handout food sources reached a peak in December. Foxes appeared to use well-defined areas and did not move freely between developed sites.-from Authors