145 
Notes on the Arctic Fox (Alopex lagopus) 
in the Prudhoe Bay Area of Alaska 
LARRY S. UNDERWOOD 
Naval Arctic Research Laboratory 
Barrow, Alaska 99723 
Introduction 
This report is the result of some observations 
on the den site ecology of the arctic fox, A/opex 
lagopus. The purposes of the study were to 
assess the possible effects of this carnivore on 
small mammal populations in the Prudhoe Bay 
area and to gather baseline data on the arctic fox 
population in a portion of the Alaskan North 
Slope that will probably experience a consider- 
able increase in human activity in the near 
future. Data were collected on the location and 
topography of den sites, signs of food items 
associated with the dens, and behavior of pups 
at the den site. 
Study Area 
The study area consisted of Point McIntyre, 
at the northwest corner of Prudhoe Bay, and the 
Deadhorse area, located about 30 km inland. 
Both of these locations are considered to be part 
of the Prudhoe Bay area. The terrain is a typical 
Alaskan coastal plain, with numerous lakes and 
ponds; wet meadows, and slightly elevated 
beach, bank, and hummock areas. 
The soils and vegetation are also typical of 
the Alaskan coastal plain and are discussed 
elsewhere in this volume (Everett; Webber and 
Walker). 
Approximately 150 species of birds nest in 
this area during summer months. Many species 
of waterfowl and shorebirds, and two species of 
passerines (Lapland longspur and snow bunting) 
are present in relatively large populations 
(Norton, this volume). 
Mammal populations apparently are less reli- 
ably present. While bands of caribou (Rangifer 
tarandus granti), varying from a few individuals 
to several hundred, are common in the area, 
they may be absent at a given time (White et al., 
this volume). Small mammals consist of an 
apparently expanding population of arctic 
ground squirrels (Cite//us undulatus) and a rela- 
tively low level population of lemmings (Feist, 
this volume). Grizzly bears (Ursus horribilis), 
grey wolves (Canis /upus), and 13 other species 
are occasionally reported. (Bee and Hall 1956). 
Methods 
In the summers of 1971 and 1972, data were 
collected during a series of 3-day field trips. 
More extensive observations were made within a 
3-week period in August 1972. 
As soon as dens were located, each site was 
described and mapped (Table 1). Carcasses and 
other signs of food were noted but left in place 
