Press Release
January 31, 2025
During years of high Arctic fox abundance, they are more frequently seen in larger numbers near human settlements. Caution is essential, as Arctic foxes may carry rabies.
The Arctic fox is present in the Nord-du-Québec region and occasionally in other areas such as the Côte-Nord. Its abundance follows cycles of three to five years, depending on populations of small mammals, primarily lemmings, its main prey. When lemming abundance reaches its peak, Arctic foxes produce a large number of pups in the spring. The survival rate of these young foxes is high, leading to an increased fox population the following winter. As a result, the species is more frequently observed and in greater numbers near villages and human infrastructure, attracted by abundant and accessible food sources.
Best Practices for Coexistence
Arctic foxes are generally less wary of humans than red foxes (in French only), especially when food is readily available.
Intentional or accidental feeding of Arctic foxes or any other wildlife should be avoided. Feeding wildlife habituates them to human presence, increasing the risk of contact or attacks on humans or domestic animals.
To avoid attracting Arctic foxes and other wildlife, all food sources should be made inaccessible (e.g., garbage, pet food, carcasses). Closed garbage bins and frequent waste collection help reduce food availability near homes, which can help limit the presence of foxes.
Rabies in Arctic Foxes
Rabies is a contagious and fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system of mammals, including humans. Once symptoms of the disease appear, death is inevitable. Even animals that appear healthy can be infected with rabies.
In Québec, three variants of rabies are found in wildlife: bat rabies, raccoon rabies, and Arctic fox rabies. Regardless of the variant, the disease can be transmitted to both animals and humans.
Arctic fox rabies is endemic in Arctic fox and red fox populations in Nord-du-Québec. Although not all foxes carry the disease, the risk of rabies transmission exists at all times in northern environments.
Unlike raccoon rabies, Arctic fox rabies cannot be eliminated from a region. Arctic foxes can travel hundreds of kilometers across the Arctic Circle, and thus, might spread rabies over vast areas. Consequently, controlling rabies in wildlife in these regions is impossible.
In northern regions, where there is always a risk of rabid wildlife, constant vigilance is essential. In addition to best practices for avoiding attracting foxes to human-occupied areas, vaccinating domestic animals reduces the risk of transmission to humans.
What to Do if You Encounter Arctic Foxes or Come Into Contact with an Unknown Animal?
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