![]() A red fox weighs 7 to 15 pounds, with males slightly heavier than females. The red fox has black legs, black fur peppering its tail, and black-tipped ears. As its name implies, the red fox has a red-orange coat with a white tip on the end of its tail and white on its throat. The red fox is more dog-like in appearance with pointed ears, thick fur, and a heavily furred, bushy tail (figure 1). It has expanded its range in the last 50 years to areas formerly unoccupied by the species and where it had previously been eliminated. Others believe that the North American red fox is a hybrid between the scarce native population and the European red fox, which was introduced into the southeastern United States around 1750. Because of significant landscape conversion following European settlement, a natural southward expansion of native foxes may have coincided with habitat changes in the region caused by the presence of humans. Some scientists think they were native to the northern part of North America but were scarce or absent in most hardwood forests where gray foxes were abundant. It is unclear whether red foxes are native to North America. Pups have more predators, including great horned owls and possibly large hawks. Predators of both species include bobcats, coyotes, and golden eagles. The distribution of the gray fox spans most of the United States, excluding part of the northern Rocky Mountains. It is widely distributed throughout much of Canada and the United States, except for a few isolated areas. The red fox is the most common species of fox native to North America. They are similar in size and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish. If you suspect your dog has been in close contact with a fox and is showing signs of hair loss and peeling skin, call your veterinarian for further advice.Two species of fox occur in Alabama-the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Mange is communicable to other animals and people, but not without close contact. If you or your pet is bitten by a fox, call your doctor, veterinarian, or local Health Department immediately.įoxes can carry mange - a skin disease caused by parasitic mites. Keep cats indoors - especially young kittens - to avoid confrontations. Always supervise pets in a fenced yard or keep them on a leash when possible. It is not common for foxes to pursue full-grown cats and dogs, but they may perceive kittens or small puppies as prey. This can increase aggressive behavior, which in turn can lead to small pets or children being bitten. Do not feed foxes or try to ‘domesticate’ them. They are afraid of humans and will typically avoid them unless habituated or sick. Parents often move young to new dens every few weeks to protect them from predators.Ĭonsider breeding season when planning animal damage control activity in order to avoid orphaning young.įoxes adapt to urban and suburban areas. Mating typically occurs between December and February, with pups born in March and April and an average litter size of 3 to 6 pups. The breeding season for foxes varies by region. They may pursue easy food sources such as unsecured chicken coops, pet rabbits or guinea pigs, outdoor pet food, and garbage. They tend to be opportunistic feeders, consuming small mammals, rabbits, birds, eggs, insects, fruit, and poultry. However, it is not uncommon to see either species foraging during the day, especially during the breeding season.įoxes den in burrows, wood piles, rocky outcrops, hollow trees, and brush piles, as well as under sheds and decks. They have retractable claws which makes them adept tree climbers, and they prefer heavier cover such as dense hardwood or mixed wood forests, swamps, and areas along rivers and streams.īoth red and gray foxes are largely crepuscular meaning active during dawn and dusk hours, but are also nocturnal. Gray foxes are primarily a salt-and-pepper gray above with yellow-tan underfur and a black-tipped tail. They prefer open woodlots interspersed with farmlands. Red foxes typically are light orange-red in color with black legs, a light-colored underbody, and a white-tipped tail. Foxes are a member of the canine (dog) family, with a long, pointed muzzle, large pointed ears, and a bushy tail. ![]() Red and gray foxes are both found in most areas of North America. ![]()
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