Red Fox Trivia

The red fox’s population trend has been evaluated as Stable on the Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

The red fox is distributed widely across the entire northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to southern North America, Europe, North Africa, the Asiatic steppes, India, and Japan. Red foxes have also been introduced elsewhere.

The red fox is distributed widely across the entire northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to southern North America, Europe, North Africa, the Asiatic steppes, India, and Japan. Red foxes have also been introduced elsewhere.

The red fox is distributed widely across the entire northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to southern North America, Europe, North Africa, the Asiatic steppes, India, and Japan. Red foxes have also been introduced elsewhere.

There have been 28 different kinds of vocalizations described in red foxes.

Red foxes have excellent senses of vision, smell, and touch.

Red foxes have excellent senses of vision, smell, and touch.

Red foxes have excellent senses of vision, smell, and touch.

The red fox’s first digit, or dew claw, is rudimentary, but clawed, and does not contact the ground.

Red fox mating behavior varies substantially. Red fox groups always have only one breeding male, but that male may also seek mating outside of the group, known as polygyny. Often, males and females are monogamous, but males with multiple female mates are also known, as are male/female pairs that use non-breeding female helpers in raising their young.

Red fox mating behavior varies substantially. Red fox groups always have only one breeding male, but that male may also seek mating outside of the group, known as polygyny. Often, males and females are monogamous, but males with multiple female mates are also known, as are male/female pairs that use non-breeding female helpers in raising their young.

Red foxes extensively use a variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, and scent marking to communicate among themselves.

Red foxes extensively use a variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, and scent marking to communicate among themselves.

Red foxes extensively use a variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, and scent marking to communicate among themselves.

Red fox males are slightly larger than females.

Red fox sexual maturity is reached by 10 months.

Being extremely shy, red foxes are often poor exhibits.

Red foxes are solitary animals and do not form packs like wolves. Ranges are occupied by an adult male and one or two adult females with their associated young.

The red fox is as least partially territorial. During some parts of the year adjacent ranges may overlap somewhat, but parts may be regularly defended.

Red foxes remain in the same home range for life.

In the 17th century, the European red fox subspecies was introduced in Canada and the eastern United States (where they were relatively scarce and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) was common). The species was also introduced to Australia in the 1800’s and to Tasmania in the late 1990’s, although there is evidence that an eradication campaign for red foxes on Tasmania has proved effective. Elsewhere, the red fox has been introduced to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and to the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom, although they never properly established on the Isle of Man and may subsequently have disappeared.

In the 17th century, the European red fox subspecies was introduced in Canada and the eastern United States (where they were relatively scarce and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) was common). The species was also introduced to Australia in the 1800’s and to Tasmania in the late 1990’s, although there is evidence that an eradication campaign for red foxes on Tasmania has proved effective. Elsewhere, the red fox has been introduced to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and to the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom, although they never properly established on the Isle of Man and may subsequently have disappeared.

In the 17th century, the European red fox subspecies was introduced in Canada and the eastern United States (where they were relatively scarce and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) was common). The species was also introduced to Australia in the 1800’s and to Tasmania in the late 1990’s, although there is evidence that an eradication campaign for red foxes on Tasmania has proved effective. Elsewhere, the red fox has been introduced to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and to the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom, although they never properly established on the Isle of Man and may subsequently have disappeared.

Young red foxes remain in the den after birth where they are cooperatively cared for and provided with solid food by the mother, father, and sometimes un-mated helpers and older offspring.

Young red foxes remain in the den after birth where they are cooperatively cared for and provided with solid food by the mother, father, and sometimes un-mated helpers and older offspring.

Young red foxes remain in the den after birth where they are cooperatively cared for and provided with solid food by the mother, father, and sometimes un-mated helpers and older offspring.

Young red foxes remain in the den after birth where they are cooperatively cared for and provided with solid food by the mother, father, and sometimes un-mated helpers and older offspring.

The red fox has the widest geographical range of any member of the order Carnivora, covering nearly 70 million square kilometers.

Red foxes are the largest species of the Vulpes species. The head and body length ranges from 455 to 900 millimeters, tail length from 300 to 555 millimeters, and weight from 3 to 14 kilograms.

Most red foxes that are taken by natural predators are young, but adults can be attacked by coyotes (Canis latrans), wolves, bears, owls, and other predators. Red foxes are rarely eaten by such predators. The most significant predators on red foxes are humans, who hunt foxes for their fur and kill them in large numbers as pests.

Most red foxes that are taken by natural predators are young, but adults can be attacked by coyotes (Canis latrans), wolves, bears, owls, and other predators. Red foxes are rarely eaten by such predators. The most significant predators on red foxes are humans, who hunt foxes for their fur and kill them in large numbers as pests.

Most red foxes that are taken by natural predators are young, but adults can be attacked by coyotes (Canis latrans), wolves, bears, owls, and other predators. Red foxes are rarely eaten by such predators. The most significant predators on red foxes are humans, who hunt foxes for their fur and kill them in large numbers as pests.

Most red foxes that are taken by natural predators are young, but adults can be attacked by coyotes (Canis latrans), wolves, bears, owls, and other predators. Red foxes are rarely eaten by such predators. The most significant predators on red foxes are humans, who hunt foxes for their fur and kill them in large numbers as pests.

Red foxes are terrestrial.

Red foxes have been recorded in forest, shrubland, grassland, wetlands, desert, and artificial terrestrial habitats. They inhabit habitats as diverse as tundra, non-extreme deserts, and city centers, including London, Paris, and Stockholm. The red fox’s natural habitat is dry, mixed vegetation landscape with abundant edge of scrub and woodland. They are also abundant on prairies, moorlands, sand dunes, farmland, and even mountains, above the tree-line, known to cross alpine passes. They occur from sea level to 4,500 meters. In the United Kingdom, red foxes generally prefer mosaic patchworks of scrub, woodland, and farmland.

Red foxes have been recorded in forest, shrubland, grassland, wetlands, desert, and artificial terrestrial habitats. They inhabit habitats as diverse as tundra, non-extreme deserts, and city centers, including London, Paris, and Stockholm. The red fox’s natural habitat is dry, mixed vegetation landscape with abundant edge of scrub and woodland. They are also abundant on prairies, moorlands, sand dunes, farmland, and even mountains, above the tree-line, known to cross alpine passes. They occur from sea level to 4,500 meters. In the United Kingdom, red foxes generally prefer mosaic patchworks of scrub, woodland, and farmland.

Red foxes have been recorded in forest, shrubland, grassland, wetlands, desert, and artificial terrestrial habitats. They inhabit habitats as diverse as tundra, non-extreme deserts, and city centers, including London, Paris, and Stockholm. The red fox’s natural habitat is dry, mixed vegetation landscape with abundant edge of scrub and woodland. They are also abundant on prairies, moorlands, sand dunes, farmland, and even mountains, above the tree-line, known to cross alpine passes. They occur from sea level to 4,500 meters. In the United Kingdom, red foxes generally prefer mosaic patchworks of scrub, woodland, and farmland.

Red foxes have been recorded in forest, shrubland, grassland, wetlands, desert, and artificial terrestrial habitats. They inhabit habitats as diverse as tundra, non-extreme deserts, and city centers, including London, Paris, and Stockholm. The red fox’s natural habitat is dry, mixed vegetation landscape with abundant edge of scrub and woodland. They are also abundant on prairies, moorlands, sand dunes, farmland, and even mountains, above the tree-line, known to cross alpine passes. They occur from sea level to 4,500 meters. In the United Kingdom, red foxes generally prefer mosaic patchworks of scrub, woodland, and farmland.

The red fox’s scientific name is Vulpes vulpes.

Red foxes are essentially omnivores and have an eclectic, opportunistic diet.

The red fox has been evaluated as “Least Concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Red foxes mostly eat rodents, eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), insects, and fruit. They will also eat carrion.

Red foxes mostly eat rodents, eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), insects, and fruit. They will also eat carrion.

Red foxes mostly eat rodents, eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), insects, and fruit. They will also eat carrion.

Red foxes mostly eat rodents, eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), insects, and fruit. They will also eat carrion.

Red foxes are considered by many to be threats to poultry. In general, foxes hunt their natural prey, but individual foxes may learn to target domestic birds if they are not adequately protected. Foxes are also known vectors for rabies and can transmit the disease to humans and other animals. Red foxes have caused considerable damage where they have been introduced. Their impacts on Australian fauna has been particularly well documented and control takes place by setting baits impregnated with 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate).

Red foxes are considered by many to be threats to poultry. In general, foxes hunt their natural prey, but individual foxes may learn to target domestic birds if they are not adequately protected. Foxes are also known vectors for rabies and can transmit the disease to humans and other animals. Red foxes have caused considerable damage where they have been introduced. Their impacts on Australian fauna has been particularly well documented and control takes place by setting baits impregnated with 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate).

Red foxes are considered by many to be threats to poultry. In general, foxes hunt their natural prey, but individual foxes may learn to target domestic birds if they are not adequately protected. Foxes are also known vectors for rabies and can transmit the disease to humans and other animals. Red foxes have caused considerable damage where they have been introduced. Their impacts on Australian fauna has been particularly well documented and control takes place by setting baits impregnated with 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate).

The red fox’s top speed is about 48 kilometers per hour, or 30 miles per hour.

The red fox is distributed widely across the entire northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to southern North America, Europe, North Africa, the Asiatic steppes, India, Japan, and Egypt. Red foxes have also been introduced elsewhere. Red foxes are not found in Iceland, the Arctic islands, or some parts of Siberia. They are generally considered extinct in the Republic of Korea where there have been several mammal surveys in recent years (including the DMZ) that have not shown any evidence of foxes.

The red fox is distributed widely across the entire northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to southern North America, Europe, North Africa, the Asiatic steppes, India, Japan, and Egypt. Red foxes have also been introduced elsewhere. Red foxes are not found in Iceland, the Arctic islands, or some parts of Siberia. They are generally considered extinct in the Republic of Korea where there have been several mammal surveys in recent years (including the DMZ) that have not shown any evidence of foxes.

Silver foxes are the most prized by furriers.

Red foxes have been known to live 10 to 12 years in captivity.

Three natural color variants of the red fox commonly occur: red, cross, and silver.

Three natural color variants of the red fox commonly occur: red, cross, and silver.

Three natural color variants of the red fox commonly occur: red, cross, and silver.

Threats to the red fox are highly localized and include habitat degradation, loss, and fragmentation, exploitation, and direct and indirect persecution. For example, a regional IUCN Red List assessment in Mongolia classified the species as Near Threatened mainly due to over-hunting, while in South Korea, red foxes have experienced declines due to habitat loss and poaching and are generally considered extinct.

Threats to the red fox are highly localized and include habitat degradation, loss, and fragmentation, exploitation, and direct and indirect persecution. For example, a regional IUCN Red List assessment in Mongolia classified the species as Near Threatened mainly due to over-hunting, while in South Korea, red foxes have experienced declines due to habitat loss and poaching and are generally considered extinct.

Threats to the red fox are highly localized and include habitat degradation, loss, and fragmentation, exploitation, and direct and indirect persecution. For example, a regional IUCN Red List assessment in Mongolia classified the species as Near Threatened mainly due to over-hunting, while in South Korea, red foxes have experienced declines due to habitat loss and poaching and are generally considered extinct.

Threats to the red fox are highly localized and include habitat degradation, loss, and fragmentation, exploitation, and direct and indirect persecution. For example, a regional IUCN Red List assessment in Mongolia classified the species as Near Threatened mainly due to over-hunting, while in South Korea, red foxes have experienced declines due to habitat loss and poaching and are generally considered extinct.

Red fox individuals have voices that can be distinguished.

Red fox scent marking is through anal sac secretions, the supracaudal gland, and glands around the lips, jaw, and the pads of the feet. Like many other canid species, red foxes have tail glands, located 75 millimeters above the root of the tail on its upper surface and lies within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

Red fox scent marking is through anal sac secretions, the supracaudal gland, and glands around the lips, jaw, and the pads of the feet. Like many other canid species, red foxes have tail glands, located 75 millimeters above the root of the tail on its upper surface and lies within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

Red fox scent marking is through anal sac secretions, the supracaudal gland, and glands around the lips, jaw, and the pads of the feet. Like many other canid species, red foxes have tail glands, located 75 millimeters above the root of the tail on its upper surface and lies within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

The red fox’s manus, the forepaw, has five claws, including the dew claw.

Females mated to the same male fox may share a den.

Red fox scent marking is through urine, feces, anal sac secretions, the supracaudal gland, and glands around the lips, jaw, and the pads of the feet.

Red fox scent marking is through urine, feces, anal sac secretions, the supracaudal gland, and glands around the lips, jaw, and the pads of the feet.

Red fox scent marking is through urine, feces, anal sac secretions, the supracaudal gland, and glands around the lips, jaw, and the pads of the feet.

The male partner will provision his mate with food but does not go into the maternity den.

Red fox gestation is typically between 51 and 53 days but can be as short as 49 days or as long as 56 days.

In addition to fur farms, red foxes are widely kept in small wildlife parks and zoos, but there appears to be no systematic data on their breeding success.

The exact time of red fox estrous and breeding varies across the broad geographic range of the species: December-January in the south, January-February in the central regions, and February-April in the north.

The same den is often used over a number of generations.

The mean number of red foxes killed per unit area by gamekeepers has increased steadily since the early 1960’s in Britain, but it is not clear to what extent this reflects an increase in fox abundance. Although an increase in fox numbers following successful rabies control by vaccination was widely reported in Europe, no direct measures of population density have been taken. Red fox bagging in Germany has risen from 250,000 in 1982–1983 to 600,000 in 2000–2001.

The red fox’s molar structure emphasizes crushing.

In the 17th century, the European red fox subspecies was introduced in Canada and the eastern United States (where they were relatively scarce and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) was common) for fox hunting.

Young red foxes are born blind and weigh between 50-150 grams, but their eyes open 9-14 days after birth.

A recent extensive global phylogeny of red foxes that included about 1,000 samples from across the species’ range found that red foxes originated in the Middle East, then radiated out.

The red fox is one of 12 species in the Vulpes genus?

Young red foxes remain in the den for 4-5 weeks after birth.

Red foxes are either nocturnal or crepuscular.

Red foxes flourish particularly well in urban areas. They are most common in residential suburbs consisting of privately owned, low-density housing and are less common where industry, commerce, or council rented housing predominates. In many habitats, foxes appear to be closely associated with people, even thriving in intensive agricultural areas.

The red fox is not listed in CITES Appendices at species level. However, the subspecies griffithi, montana, and pusilla (=leucopus) are listed on CITES – Appendix III (India).

A recent extensive global phylogeny of red foxes that included about 1,000 samples from across the species’ range found that red foxes in North America are genetically distinct and probably merit recognition as a distinct species (Vulpes fulva).

The red fox is successful as a species because of its wide geographical range, vast introduction in other regions, adaptability, opportunistic diet, and success in urban areas.

The red fox is successful as a species because of its wide geographical range, vast introduction in other regions, adaptability, opportunistic diet, and success in urban areas.

The red fox is successful as a species because of its wide geographical range, vast introduction in other regions, adaptability, opportunistic diet, and success in urban areas.

The red fox is successful as a species because of its wide geographical range, vast introduction in other regions, adaptability, opportunistic diet, and success in urban areas.

The body mass and length of red foxes varies by region and by latitude. According to Bergmann’s rule, red foxes are larger in the north. Those in southern deserts and in North America are smaller than those in European populations.

The body mass and length of red foxes varies by region and by latitude. According to Bergmann’s rule, red foxes are larger in the north. Those in southern deserts and in North America are smaller than those in European populations.

Red foxes have a characteristic manner of hunting mice, standing motionless while listening and watching intently for the mouse before leaping high and forcibly bringing the forelimbs straight down to pin the rodent to the ground.

Most countries and states where trapping or hunting occurs have regulated closed versus open seasons and restrictions on methods of capture.

The red fox can leap over obstacles as high as 2 meters, or 6.5 feet.

Red foxes help control populations of their prey animals, such as rodents and rabbits, and may disperse seeds by eating fruit, but they are known vectors for rabies and can transmit the disease to humans and other animals.

Red foxes help control populations of their prey animals, such as rodents and rabbits, and may disperse seeds by eating fruit, but they are known vectors for rabies and can transmit the disease to humans and other animals.

Red foxes help control populations of their prey animals, such as rodents and rabbits, and may disperse seeds by eating fruit, but they are known vectors for rabies and can transmit the disease to humans and other animals.

Red foxes are important fur bearers and the number of red foxes raised for fur exceeds that of any other species, except possibly American mink (Neovison vison).

Young red foxes are called kits, cubs, and pups.

Young red foxes are called kits, cubs, and pups.

Young red foxes are called kits, cubs, and pups.

Cross foxes, making up 25% of red fox individuals, have reddish brown fur with a black stripe down the back and another across the shoulders.

A male red fox is called a dog, reynard, or tod.

A male red fox is called a dog, reynard, or tod.

Male red foxes will fight during the breeding season.

The red fox’s pes, hindpaw, has four claws.

Red fox litters vary in size from 1 to 13 pups with an average of 5.

Individual red fox adults have home ranges that vary in size depending on the quality of the habitat. In good areas, ranges may be between 5 and 12 square kilometers, but in poorer habitats, ranges are larger, between 20 and 50 square kilometers.

Red fox density is highly variable. In the United Kingdom, density varies between one fox per 40 square kilometers in Scotland and 1.17 per square kilometers in Wales, but can be as high as 30 foxes per square kilometers in some urban areas where food is superabundant. Social group density is one family per square kilometer in farmland, but may vary between 0.2-5 families per square kilometer in the suburbs. Fox density in mountainous rural areas of Switzerland is three foxes per square kilometer. 0.17 foxes per square kilometer has been recorded in the grassland/semi desert steppe of Mongolia. In northern boreal forests and Arctic tundra, they occur at densities of 0.1 foxes per square kilometer, and in southern Ontario, Canada at 1 fox per square kilometer. The average social group density in the Swiss mountains is 0.37 families per square kilometer.

Individual red foxes and family groups have main earthen dens and often other emergency burrows in the home range. Dens of other animals, such as rabbits or marmots, are often taken over by foxes. Larger dens may be dug and used during the winter and during birth and rearing of the young.

Individual red foxes and family groups have main earthen dens and often other emergency burrows in the home range. Dens of other animals, such as rabbits or marmots, are often taken over by foxes. Larger dens may be dug and used during the winter and during birth and rearing of the young.

The red fox’s dental formula of the red fox is 3/3 1/1 4/4 2/3 and the tooth row is more than half the length of the skull.

Red foxes have caused considerable damage where they have been introduced. Their impacts on Australian fauna has been particularly well documented and control takes place by setting baits impregnated with 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate).

Young red foxes remain with their mother until at least the autumn following their birth, but some, especially females, will sometimes remain longer. The pups will disperse to their own territories as nearby as 10 kilometers and as far away as almost 400 kilometers.

Young red foxes are nursed by their mother for 56-70 days and are fully weaned by 8-10 weeks.

Red foxes eat between 0.5 and 1 kilograms of food each day and store food. They are very good at relocating these caches.

A group of foxes is called an earth, leash, or skulk.

A group of foxes is called an earth, leash, or skulk.

A group of foxes is called an earth, leash, or skulk.

Worldwide trade in ranched red fox pelts, mainly silver pelts from Finland, has reduced since the 1900’s, but was 700,000 in 1988–1989 (excluding internal consumption in the USSR). Active fur trade in Britain in the 1970s was negligible.

Red foxes live on average 3 years in the wild.

Silver foxes make up 10% of red fox individuals, and range from strong silver to nearly black.

A male red fox is called a vixen.