Arctic foxes continue to breed in Finland’s fells

Four Arctic fox dens were recorded in Finland’s Enontekiö region during the 2026 summer, with at least 14 pups observed—an encouraging sign for one of the country’s rarest mammals.

Arctic foxes have continued to return to their traditional breeding grounds in the fells of north-western Finland.

More food, better survival chances

The findings demonstrates a remarkable recovery. 2022 was the first time in over 25 years that Arctic foxes bred in Finland. Since then, three to four successful dens have been recorded annually in Enontekiö, with litter sizes varying according to food availability. In 2023, successful breeding was also recorded in Utsjoki for the first time in decades.

The improved breeding success is linked to growing vole and lemming populations, following several years of low abundance. These small rodents are the Arctic fox’s most important prey.

“The larger number of voles has had a positive effect on the success of arctic fox nesting and the higher number of cubs,” says Jukka Ikonen, Senior Specialist in Nature Conservation at Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland.

“In addition, the improved nutritional state significantly improves the chances of survival of puppies born in the summer from their first year of life.”

A shared Nordic population

The Arctic fox population crosses national borders, making cooperation between Finland, Norway and Sweden essential. Most Arctic foxes breeding in Finland are descendants of captive-bred animals released on the Norwegian side of the border as part of wider recovery efforts.

The EU Interreg Aurora-funded Felles fjellrev – Together for the Arctic fox project is further strengthening Nordic cooperation between authorities, universities and conservation organisations.

The project, running until October 2026, supports improved monitoring, research into diseases and fox movements, and the development of effective conservation methods.

Pick up your trash

As a partner in the project, WWF Finland have also explained how the general public can do their part to protect the arctic foxes: take care of their organic waste, such as food and fishing waste.

“The Arctic fox’s main competitor is the red fox, an adaptable species that opportunistically feeds on fish guts, by-catch and food scraps left behind by people. Everyone who spends time in the fells can help the Arctic fox by carrying their waste out of the wilderness,” says Petteri Tolvanen, Programme Director at WWF Finland.

This is an English summary of an article originally published by WWF Finland. You can read that article here (in Finnish).