Red Foxes are highly adaptable canids that have learned to live in a variety of habitats throughout the northern hemisphere. They can even be found in urban areas as their populations numbers have actually grown in response to humans altering wild habitats. They are omnivores who can be found scavenging, foraging and hunting for different types of foods. Their biggest threats come from the pet trade and fur farms.
Lifespan
In the wild, red foxes live between 3-5 years. With proper care in captivity, their average lifespan is about 10-12 years.
Red foxes weigh between 8 to 15 pounds. They are about 36-42 inches long, with their tails accounting for about a third of their length.
In the wild, red foxes are primarily some shade of red or brown. Their tails are fluffy and white tipped. Other color variants can occur, but they are most commonly seen on fur farms. Silver foxes are the most common color variant, and their fur is silver and black as opposed to red.
Red foxes and primarily solitary and crepuscular animals, meaning they are primarily active around dawn and dusk. Pairs will come together during the breeding season, with the males remaining to help provide parental care to their young. They are omnivores, so they spend a lot of their time either foraging for food or hunting prey.
Red foxes are found throughout most of the northern hemisphere. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a range of altitudes and habitats, from tundra to desert to forest to urban areas.
Principal Threats
Red foxes are listed as Least Concern by IUCN, and because they are highly adaptable, their population numbers have actually increased as human populations have increased. They do, however, face threats from both fur farms and the pet trade.
Range
Red foxes are found throughout most of the northern hemisphere. They spread from the arctic circle down into northern Africa, central Asia and central America. They have also been introduced to Australia. Red foxes have the largest range of any canid species.
Red foxes are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they will eat whatever is available. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals, but they also eat carrion, insects, fruit and other vegetation.
Red fox breeding season occurs once a year, but the time of year varies depending on location. They are typically monogamous but males will occasionally mate with multiple females. After mating, females remain in their den and males will bring them food. Males will also help with rearing the young. Litters can range in size from 1 to 9 pups. Pups stay with their parents for about 7 months.
Red foxes and primarily solitary and crepuscular animals, meaning they are primarily active around dawn and dusk. They are omnivores, so they spend a lot of their time either foraging for food or hunting prey.
Red fox populations are stable and have actually increased in number in recent years.
Fun Facts
- Red foxes help control rodent population and help disperse seeds.
- They are incredibly vocal and can produce over 20 different sounds.
- Red foxes can jump up to 6 ft. in the air, and they will often do this when pouncing on prey.
- They live in underground dens that have been measured at up to 75 feet long.