Filming Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) in Utqiaġvik, Alaska for “Incredible Animal Journeys” on DIsney+ was one of the most challenging yet rewarding wildlife experiences of my career. Located at the very top of the United States, this remote Arctic town is a land of icy tundra, endless winter darkness, and incredible wildlife.
The Arctic Fox: A Master of Survival
Arctic foxes are perfectly adapted to life in the harshest of conditions. With thick white fur in winter (turning brownish-gray in summer), compact bodies, and furry paws that act like natural snowshoes, these foxes can survive temperatures as low as -50°C (-58°F). They are scavengers, often trailing polar bears to feed on leftovers or digging through snow for small rodents, birds, and even fish. Its an animal that was always top of my list to see and film and I am glad finally this dream came true.
The Challenges of Filming in the Arctic
I spent a month in Utqiaġvik and filming in -40°C temperatures is no joke! Batteries drain within minutes, camera lenses fog up instantly when brought indoors, and every piece of exposed skin burns with the Arctic wind. The key to surviving (and shooting) in these conditions is layering up, using hand warmers for batteries and your own hands, and having a good system for your camera gear. We had 4 camera trap cases with 4 Mirrorless camera installed – it was so cold that all 4 glass protectors cracked, and one even got peed on by an arctic fox!
We spent days tracking foxes across the tundra using snow machines, laying camera traps to find out which arctic fox dens were active, tracking and spotting and always waiting for hours in the freezing cold, hoping one would appear. Their ability to blend into the snow made spotting them difficult. They are like a tiny needle in the biggest snowy haystack (the tundra) and when you find one they are fast! And sometimes our camera traps captured the unexpected – polar bears!
Capturing the Foxes on Film
Luckily for us we had some of Utqiaġviks top spotters, who know the area like the back of their hand. Most people who live here are the Iñupiat people, who practice traditional hunting, fishing, and whaling. This remains an important asset to local traditions and to the local economy.
I spent 4 weeks in Utqiaġvik in a small research station. One of the highlights of this film shoot was capturing the playful interactions, as young foxes chased each other through the snow, rolling and tumbling like puppies. As some foxes are so close to human settlement, they have adapted well. They are so bold that one got as close as a meter away from me, enabling me to capture some amazing photographs seen above.
The Beauty of Utqiaġvik, Alaska
Utqiaġvik is a fascinating place, not just for its wildlife but also for its rich Iñupiat culture. The town experiences polar night, where the sun doesn’t rise for over 60 days in winter, and Midnight Sun, where daylight lasts 24 hours in summer. The village itself has various monuments (the whale bone arch), Will Rogers & Wiley Post Monument, Barrow beach and the Northern most point of America. Sadly we didnt have tie to visit the Inupiat Heritage Center as we were working. If you are looking for wilderness and to experience filming/photographing on the winter ice sheets this is the place to be. It is tough, so its not for the weak.
My Polar gear
As some of you will want to know, for these areas you need some top polar gear. Most days I was wearing 3 layers on my body and 2 layers of socks. As an avid supporter and owner of Fjallraven gear I can confidently say that this brand keeps you so warm. Below is a list of some of my go to’s for anything polar/cold related.
Headwear
- A pair of sunglasses
- A good pair of ski goggles (as they do steam up easily)
- Fjallraven Nordic Heater Hat
- Cabelas fluffy hat
- Fjallraven Keb Fleece Balaclava
Upper body
- Expedition Down Jacket
- Icebreaker baselayers
- Fjallraven W’s Bergtagen top layer
Legs
- Fjallraven W’s Bergtagen Long Johns
- Fjallraven W’s Bergtagen Short Johns
- Fjallraven Polar Bib Trousers
Feet
Hands
- Hestra thick Mittens with liner
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Filming Arctic foxes in one of the most extreme environments on Earth was an experience I’ll never forget. It tested my endurance, patience, and skill but in return, I got to witness nature at its most raw and beautiful. Having the time to focus on filming one animal always allows you to appreciate every small detail about them. Their ability to survive and thrive in such brutal conditions was awe-inspiring and makes your realise even more how amazing and adaptive wildlife is to our every changing world.
For anyone interested Incredible Animal Journeys is out now on Disney+
Would you brave the Arctic to see these incredible animals? Let me know in the comments!
Nomadic dani 
Leave a comment