Both the arctic fox and the red fox are found in the high mountains. For those of you who have seen an arctic fox before, the difference may be obvious. If you have never seen an arctic fox, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the red fox and the arctic fox. However, there are a number of characteristics that can be used to distinguish an arctic fox from afar without having to be an extremely experienced hiker.
Body type and posture
In general, the red fox is visibly larger, although the relationship between length and height is approximately the same for both species. In terms of posture, the arctic fox tends to arch its back a little more. While on the move, the arctic fox's head lies more in a straight line with its body, while the head of the red fox is higher and lies above the horizontal line of the body.
The tail of the arctic fox is lowered in an arc in relation to its body, while the red fox's tail sticks out straighter. In general, the tail composes a larger portion of the total body length for the red fox than for the somewhat longer-legged arctic fox.
One of the most clear differences is their profile; the red fox has a longer, more tapered head with larger, pointier ears than the arctic fox.
Tracks
With the right knowledge, tracks in the snow can give a good indication of whether an arctic fox or a red fox has been in the area.
There are many standard measurements used when tracking: foot size, stride and pace. Pace is the most prominent differentiating characteristic between the arctic fox and the red fox.
Stride can sometimes be enough to distinguish an arctic fox from a red fox if the conditions are similar. Field data has shown that the arctic fox's stride in general is shorter than the red fox's at all paces, although there is a small overlap between the two species.
Pace is the primary factor used to distinguish arctic fox from red fox. Tracking studies in the high mountains indicate that the arctic fox moves primarily at a short gallop. The left back foot lands almost beside the right front foot, but at a more rapid gallop the distance between the left back foot and the right front foot increases as the stride increases.
In contrast, the red fox almost always travels at a slow trot and often sets its back foot in the impression from its front foot.
In deep, loose snow, both species can go over to a walk, the slowest of all paces. To a certain degree, both the arctic fox and the red fox leap through loose snow when hunting or if they are really in a hurry. A track should be followed at least 200-300 meters to determine which pace is dominant.