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Red Fox (Vulpes fulva)
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Gestation:
Litter Size:
Length:
Weight:
Life Span:
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52-53 days
5-6 cubs
36-42 in
15 lb.
12 years
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Status:
Red Foxes are keeping a stable population.
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Physical Characteristics
Red foxes are distinguished by black ears and feet and the tip of the tail is white. Its coat is usually a rusty red or reddish-brown. The red fox has great alertness and keen senses of smell, hearing, and sight which enable it to live close to human habitat without being easily noticed. The red fox is very fast and has short legs. It is the smallest member of the canine family. It has triangular ears, thick fur and a long bushy tail. The red fox can adapt to diverse climates and habitats. They are swift, agile runners and can reach a speed of up to 48km per hour.
Habitat and Daily Life
Red foxes live in forests or temperate biomes. It is said that foxes rarely live up to five years although they can live up to 12 years. Red foxes occupy a territory of 3 to 8 square km. Space is a very important resource for the fox. Each family needs several safe dens sites in which to raise their cubs in addition to safe resting sites outside of the den. It is common for red foxes to have their dens inside their territory. Although red foxes may have 5-6 cubs, usually only 2-3 survive.
Hunting and Feeding
Foxes are omnivores. They eat small mammals, birds, and fruit. Once a red fox has spotted its meal it is hard to get away if you are the prey, the fox is a fairly fast runner. Foxes not only eat mammals but also left over orange peels, apple peels, tomatoes, bananas, bread, bird seed, cooked peas and any other food that is left over from humans.
Reproduction and Cubs
Breeding usually takes place in mid-December and mid-February. After a period of 52-53 days 5-6 cubs are usually born. They are born blind and vulnerable. The parents help the foxes for the first 5 weeks always being at the cubs side. When the cubs are 5 weeks old they venture outside of the dens. Weaning also ends when the cubs are around 5 weeks. Later in the summer the cubs learn how to hunt for themselves. Males usually leave or are ready to leave before the female cubs are. It is then the cubs choice to leave or the parents will let them stay. Not all cubs end up leaving their parents or family. After a while if the male foxes have not left they start leaving. Only the females are allowed to stay within the family the males must go start there own family.
Report writen by Jesse
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