When hunting for mice in winter, red and Arctic fox are known to plunge headfirst at speeds of 2-4 meters per second but their sharp noses reduce the impact force in snow and protect them from injury, according to a new study published April 29 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
When hunting for mice in winter, red and Arctic fox are known to plunge headfirst at speeds of 2-4 meters per second but their sharp noses reduce the impact force in snow and protect them from injury, according to a new study published April 29 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The fundamental research sheds light on the biomechanics of the unique hunting behavior (known as mousing), advances our understanding of animal adaptations, and offers insights into snow injuries people experience during snowboarding or skiing.
While there have been many studies of water birds and animals such as porpoises and dolphins diving from air into water, interactions between animals and the air-snow interface have not been well-researched.
Snow has fluid-like properties when light and fluffy, and solid-like properties when compacted, such as when people make snowballs.
Read more at Cornell University
Photo Credit: Goutham89 via Wikimedia Commons
