Description: The
beautiful Red Fox is one of the most misunderstood animals
in traditional lore and stories. The fox is perceived
as cunning, deceptive and bloodthirsty, possibly for
its habit of killing chickens or of killing more food
that it can eat. Foxes, however, bury any excess prey
for future use.
Foxes
come in a variety of colorations. Individuals may be
black, brown, silver, or red, but red is the most common.
Red Foxes usually have black legs and black patches
throughout the red coat. The underside of the muzzle,
breast and underparts are usually white. The Red Fox
has a thick coat and an especially long, bushy tail.
Foxes are roughly the size of a small dog. Males are
typically a little larger than females and may reach
weights of 15 pounds. Foxes measure between 35 and
42 inches in length. The tail is typically about 1/3
of the total length. Range/Habitat: Foxes
are highly adaptable animals that are found in any
habitat that has a suitable food supply. Foxes are
common throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Foxes
live in dens; underground holes that have multiple
entrances and exits. Foxes will also use caves and
hollow logs as dens. Diet/Young: Foxes
are omnivorous and will eat virtually anything they
can get. Although about 2/3 of the Fox's diet is comprised
of small rodents, they will readily eat birds, rabbits,
insects, berries, squirrels, birds, eggs, fish, road
kill and even trash.
Young/Reproduction: Female
Foxes, called vixens, give birth to 3 to 5 kits between
March and May. The kits are born blind and don't even
open their eyes for about 12 days. Female Foxes bring
their kits live mice to stalk, kill and eat at 2 months.
Young Foxes leave their birth den at 3 months. Foxes
usually only live between 1 and 4 years in the wild.
They are often hit by cars, hunted, and sometimes contract
Rabies. |