A recent study from Cornell University sheds light on the biomechanics of red and arctic foxes hunting mice in winter. These foxes are known to plunge headfirst at speeds of 2-4 meters per second, but their sharp noses minimize impact force in the snow, protecting them from injury. The research not only advances our understanding of animal adaptations but also offers insights into snow injuries that people may experience during activities like snowboarding or skiing. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study reveals how the unique hunting behavior, known as mousing, allows foxes to navigate the snow effectively.
Interactions between animals and the air-snow interface have not been extensively researched, unlike interactions with water. Snow can have fluid-like properties when fluffy and solid-like properties when compacted. The study found that the fox’s sharp snout does not compress the snow significantly, allowing it to penetrate without much resistance. By comparing the impacts of foxes with those of lynx and puma, the researchers were able to determine the biomechanical differences in the way different species interact with snow. The findings show that the sharp snouts of foxes minimize tissue damage during headfirst dives, behaving similarly to water due to the lack of compression upon impact.
The study involved scanning skulls of different animal species at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan and attaching sensors to measure impact force. By dropping the 3D-printed skulls into snow and water, the researchers were able to compare the effects of impact and enter data into computer models. They found that the foxes’ sharp snouts allowed them to penetrate snow with little resistance, while the flat snouts of Felidae species compressed the snow upon impact, potentially causing damage. This research provides valuable insights into how different animals adapt to their environments and overcome challenges in their hunting behaviors.
In addition to minimizing impact force and potential tissue damage, the fox’s long snout also gives it an advantage in reaching prey earlier. Mice, being sensitive to movements in their environment, can quickly escape if they sense danger. Prior to pouncing, foxes are known to shake their heads to listen for sounds of animals beneath the snow’s surface, allowing them to gauge the depth of their prey. Despite the dangerous nature of the hunting process, there have been no reported injuries to foxes during their mousing activities. This demonstrates the remarkable adaptations that animals have developed to survive and thrive in their natural habitats.
Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the biomechanics of animal adaptations and behaviors in snowy environments. By studying how different species interact with snow during hunting activities, researchers can gain a better understanding of the challenges animals face and how they have evolved to overcome them. The study not only contributes to our knowledge of wildlife biology but also has implications for understanding and potentially preventing snow-related injuries in humans engaging in winter sports. This groundbreaking research was funded by the National Science Foundation and highlights the importance of studying nature to learn from the remarkable adaptations that have evolved over time.
