Chukotka, located in the remote northeastern region of Russia, is inhospitable much of the year, with freezing cold temperatures and layers upon layers of snow. Despite the brutal nature of the region’s winter landscape, Ivan Kislov loves to travel through the area, taking photos of the foxes that are able to withstand the ice-cold temperatures.
Kislov lives in the city of Magaden, but he became familiar with Chukotka working as a mining engineer in the area. His shifts are long, but whenever he finds time for a break he enjoys going out and looking for foxes to photograph. He considers it a relaxing break from his work routine, and often goes on hikes to access places that seem inaccessible.
Check out some of his awesome fox photography here!
While out on his nature walks, Kislov encounters bear, reindeer, and wolves, all of which he photographs, but not with the same vigor he reserves for foxes. In an interview with Bored Panda, Kislov explains that foxes make the best models, “Foxes are curious and can come very close, and I shoot with wide angle and telephoto lenses.”
Foxes are interesting creatures that are very social and capable of living rather flexible lives. In proof of their flexibility, foxes live all over the world. As omnivorous, foxes are capable of eating a wide variety of food, depending on what is available. Foxes eat small animals such as lizards, rats, rabbits, gophers and mice. They also eat birds, fruit, and bugs, and if they live near the ocean they enjoy some good fish and crabs as well.
Foxes live in large family packs, which usually include siblings, pups, mates, mothers and fathers. Some foxes only come out at night to hunt, but if they feel safe and secure with their environment they will also come out during the day to hunt.
Thanks to the vertically slit pupils foxes have, their vision is excellent and very similar to a cat. Not only can they see well but they are also incredibly fast, capable of running speeds up to 45 mph, that’s nearly as fast as the blackbuck antelope–which is known as one of the fastest animals in the world. Foxes also have super sharp hearing, and can even hear animals digging deep beneath the ground.
Foxes live in burrows or dens that they dig into the ground, here they have shelter, warmth, storage, and a place to have and raise pups. The burrows are rather large and extensive, including room for everyone. Foxes are smart; they make sure to prepare for an intruder by digging out several exits in case they need to quickly flee.
A pregnant fox only carries her wee-ones for 53 days before giving birth to a litter of pups. A litter typically includes between two to seven babes. Once the adorable bushy babies are born the whole family steps in to help raise them, mom, dad, and siblings too.
Living out in the wild foxes only live to be around 3-years old, although when kept in captivity they can live to be 10 or 12-years old. Unfortunately, Arctic foxes and fennec foxes are listed as a threatened species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Any human that hunts the beautiful creature for their fur is threatening the population. Foxes live in tight knit families, so by purchasing something made of fox fur you are literally supporting the act of killing a beloved family member. Spread awareness and help save the foxes. These sweet, family oriented creatures deserve it!
As if these amazing photos are not enough, check out 22 more photos that will force you to fall in love with foxes!