Arctic fox makes comeback in Scandinavia — tenfold increase after near-extinction

Once numbering fewer than 50 individuals across Scandinavia, the arctic fox has rebounded to nearly 600 animals. In summer 2026, guided wildlife safaris have opened in the Swedish mountains to see the recovering population firsthand.

Arctic fox makes comeback in Scandinavia

The small fox that nearly vanished from Scandinavia is back — and the recovery is accelerating. From fewer than 50 individuals across Norway, Sweden, and Finland, the arctic fox population has grown to nearly 600 animals, allowing a downlisting from critically endangered to endangered.

How was it done?

The recovery was driven by a coordinated Scandinavian programme:

• Supplemental feeding stations in key mountain areas through winter and spring
• Red fox management to reduce competition for food and dens
• Captive-breeding that has released over 460 arctic foxes into the wild

In Sweden, at least 39 active dens were recorded in the northern fells during 2025.

See the arctic fox up close

From summer 2026, guided evening wildlife safaris are running in the protected Sámi landscape at Stekenjokk, northern Sweden — letting visitors see the recovering population firsthand while supporting the conservation work.

Source: WWF / Rewilding Europe / EU LIFE Programme, 2026.