Wild Foxes

The fox is commonly thought of as a cunning red shadow. Perhaps you've seen one far off in a field or have been lucky enough to see one in your own backyard, just a quick glance before he scurries off into the brush. Foxes are a small, omnivorous canid. There are 12 species of "true foxes", classified under Vulpes, including:

• Red Foxes
• Arctic Foxes
• Corsac Foxes
• Fennec Foxes
• Kit Foxes
• Swift Foxes

Red Foxes are the largest fox in the Vulpes family. In the wild, Red Foxes weigh generally between 11lbs (females) and 13lbs (males). For their weight, male Red Foxes can be quite tall, 20in at the withers. It is generally a misleading appearance. Underneath all the fur is a small, lean body. They are spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere. From the Arctic Circle down to just North of the Equator. They have adapted to the open plains, forest life, and even suburbia. More on domestic habitats here.

Red Fox body type by SilverWuff

In the wild, Red Foxes dine on a variety of animals and plants. Mice, birds, and even small or young deer can fall prey to the fox. They also enjoy berries or all sorts, grasses, tubers, cherries, and apples. Meat makes up a lot of their diet and the plant matter is more of a supplement. More on a domestic diet here.

Red Fox enjoying a fresh vole, Hal Brindley

Wild Red Foxes comes in a 3 common colors. The most common being red. A classic Red Fox has black points, a white belly, and white tail tip. Silver is another common wild color. Silver Foxes have black points, a white belly, and white tail tip. Their under coat is black with silvering on the top coat. Cross is the last common color. Cross Foxes have a mottled coat of black and red, sometimes a white belly, and a white tail tip. More on domestic colors here.

Red Fox, Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic Inc.

Silver Fox, Paul Burwell

Cross Fox, Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge

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