Wildwood Zoo's Arctic Fox, Blizzard, dies after 10 years in Marshfield

MARSHFIELD − Known for his sassy, sweet demeanor and stunning winter coat, Blizzard the Arctic fox, a favorite at Wildwood Zoo, has died, the zoo announced Friday.

Blizzard had been at the zoo since he was just a few months old and now at 10 years old was considered a senior fox, the zoo said.

During the past week, zoo employees and veterinary staff working with Blizzard exhausted all treatment options after Blizzard was unable to pass urine or stand without help, according to a news release from the city. He was transported to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for further analysis, which included scans, neurological consults, radiographs and blood work.

Blizzard's treatment continued with Athens Veterinary Service when he returned to the zoo. Blizzard likely had a rare spinal cord blockage that causes a lack of blood flow and oxygen, according to the news release.

The Arctic fox is wonderfully adapted to live in cold climates, according to the release. While many mammals hibernate during the winter, the Arctic fox does not. Its fur and fat, combined with a stockier shape than other foxes, enable the Arctic fox to conserve body heat. The fox has a tremendous tolerance for cold, the release said.

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Contact Karen Madden at (715) 345-2245 or kmadden@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KMadden715, Instagram @kmadden715 or Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen.madden.33.