Long fox. Description of the fox: appearance, nutrition, habits
The fox is a predatory mammal of the canine family, the Latin name of the beast is Vulpes. About 40 species of foxes are known, their sizes and weight range from 18 to 90 cm, and from 0.7 to 10 kg. Many people believe that the fox is a mixture of a dog and a cat. In some ways, this is true: systematically, this charming animal with thick fur, a large fluffy tail and a slender elongated body occupies an intermediate place between a wild cat and a wolf. Therefore, they have characteristics of both dogs and cats.
Common features of a fox and a cat
Foxes and cats have physical similarities. Both of them have a graceful physique, an elegant and nimble gait, providing excellent vision at night, eye pupils with vertical slits, extremely sensitive mustaches, and hard spines on the tongue.
An even greater similarity between these animals is behavioral. Foxes, like cats, are predators that lie in wait for prey from ambush; they are not capable of long-term pursuit of prey. Many foxes are excellent climbers and can easily climb onto roofs and trees.
It is believed that cats are independent creatures; they are interested in humans mainly as an instrument for fulfilling their desires: to give food, to provide shelter. The same traits are inherent in foxes: even when tamed, these animals are rarely able to experience strong attachment to their owner.
This is interesting. Scientists believe that the reason for the wayward, “autocephalous” behavior of cats is the fact that wild cats continued to live near human settlements even after humans domesticated the cat, and for many centuries there was an exchange of genes between domestic and wild populations of cats.
Common Traits of a Fox and a Dog
From a physiological point of view, foxes are closer to dogs than to cats. They have, on average, the same body size, non-retractable claws, and a fluffy tail that can be used to cover their front paws and nose in winter. The fox's lifestyle is also similar to the wolf's: unlike wild cats, these animals settle in holes, which they can dig themselves or take away from the former owner.
About fox tricks: Foxes often inhabit the holes of other animals. For example, they can “expropriate” a badger hole they like even if there is an owner in it. Badgers are extremely clean, and when they smell an unpleasant fox smell in their home or find the remains of rotting food, they simply leave the hole.
In relation to humans, the behavior of a fox is radically different from that of a dog. Even raised in captivity, a fox never fully trusts people, and although it can obey or learn to follow commands, it is capable of showing aggression at any time. The main reason is that the thousand-year-old domesticated status of the dog, which changed its character at the genetic level, is absent in foxes. By the way, despite the commonality of species, it is not possible to cross a dog with a fox: the genetic code of these animals contains different quantities chromosomes.
Is it possible to tame a fox
Looking at the graceful, agile, beautiful fox with a pleasant face and a magnificent tail, many people think: “What a sweetheart, I wish I could have one like this at home!” In principle, almost any wild animal can be tamed, but you should not expect special devotion and tenderness from a fox. Although attempts were made to domesticate the fox, that is, to instill in it the traits of a “domestic wolf” - a dog. Russian geneticist Dmitry Belyaev managed to breed a domesticated silver fox. She is non-aggressive, affectionate, attached to her owner, craves his attention, and even wags her tail when he appears. True, such an animal cost about 6 thousand dollars.
- Northern part of Africa, including Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria.
- The entire territory of Europe.
- Asia to the very north of India.
- North America to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Australia (except for some northern parts).
Thus, the animal can be found on almost all continents; foxes acclimatize well and inhabit all geographical and landscape zones: steppes, deserts, tundra, etc.
Foxes give greater preference to those natural areas where there are ravines, hills and groves in open areas. These canine representatives choose those natural areas, where the snow cover is not very deep, which makes it difficult for them to move and see the area. The fox is a sedentary animal. But migration is also characteristic of some of these mammals. This most often occurs in the tundra, mountains or deserts.
Description of the fox
Foxes are incredibly beautiful animals to which songs, poems, fables and even paintings have been dedicated. Depending on their habitat, these predators acquire unusual appearance features compared to the usual forest beauties.
The fox got its poetic name for its coat painted in gold. The Slavs always observed the inhabitants of the forest, noticing any distinctive details of appearance, behavior or even voice. Translated from Old Church Slavonic, “fox” meant “yellowish.” That’s why cheerful red mushrooms are called “chanterelles.”
There is another version of the interpretation of the word. A number of etymologists believe that “fox” is derived from the Slavic “lis” (wife, husband). This theory is also explained in different ways: some explain that some species of these predators create monogamous pairs and raise cubs together, others suggest that this is what cunning wives were called. There is a third assumption. The word "fox" comes from the Polish "liszka" (dashing). Thus, the mischievous nature of the animal is noticed.
Functions of a fox's tail
All foxes have furry a long tail, which not only decorates the animal, but also serves as a useful device for survival. It allows you to develop greater speed when running, being a special pole for balance. The tail also serves as an effective rudder. When a predator (for example, a dog) is chasing a red-haired rogue and is about to grab it, the fluffy train turns sharply at a right angle and the animal instantly turns to the side. The pursuer rushes on in bewilderment.
Many have probably wondered: “Why do foxes have a white tip of their tail?” The answer is quite simple. A fox in the forest must constantly monitor its cubs. In order not to lose sight of the little ones among the foliage, a white beacon was created, which every little one cheerfully raises for mom.
The fox stores some in its tail nutrients"for a rainy day". This fluffy tool also serves as a blanket for the animal. In cold weather, the fox covers its nose or cubs with its tail. Animals can even communicate using this body part! When raised, it shows the strength of the beast and its readiness to defend territory and prey.
Did you know that a fox's tail smells like violets? Right at its base there is a fairly large gland that produces the aroma of flowers. This is the perfect camouflage device! When escaping from pursuit, a fox in the forest covers its tracks and hides its scent.
How much does a fox weigh?
Depending on the species, foxes can reach lengths from 40 cm to 90 cm. The length of the tail of an adult individual ranges from 20 to 60 cm. And the weight is from 1.5 to 14 kg.
Fox's eyes
The eyes of a fox are one of the animal's main weapons when hunting. Vision is tuned to moving objects, which allows you to instantly notice potential prey. Even a butterfly flying past will not be able to hide from a clever predator. Also, all types of foxes are perfectly oriented in the dark, since it is at night that animals go hunting. Not a single bird sleeping peacefully on the ground or in the thickets will go unnoticed.
Foxes have excellent visual memory. This allows predators to remember places of refuge and paths. This ability is very important for survival in harsh conditions wildlife.
Fox fur
The condition of an animal’s fur coat must be acceptable for normal existence in a certain area. All types of foxes are carefully prepared for the environmental conditions in which they will live.
In summer, the coat color of these predators is camouflage. Neither you nor the small animals will notice the approach of the fox. In the north, arctic foxes are dressed in white fur that blends with the snow. In the mountains, where rocks and poor soil combine, foxes camouflage themselves in spotted (gray with ocher) coats. Residents of dry deserts naturally received yellow or light ocher fur. In the forest, the common fox with its dull red robe hides well against the background of branches, earth and fallen leaves.
Until now, scientists have not figured out why the fur of these predators does not adapt in color to other seasons. The fact is that many types of foxes become brighter with the onset of winter. Red, brown and black animals stand out against the background white snow, which, oddly enough, does not affect the efficiency of hunting.
However, depending on the temperature, the structure of the fox's coat changes. The animal adapts to nature. In summer, the fox's fur is sparse, dull, without undercoat, and lies tightly to the body. This makes it much easier to keep your body cool. In winter, after seasonal molting, foxes dress in thick clothes. The thick undercoat prevents heat from escaping and keeps you warm, like a down jacket. The upper fibers are impregnated with a special secretion that prevents the predator from getting wet (foxes often fall asleep in the snow).
Types of foxes
Below is short description several varieties of foxes:
- Common fox (red fox) (lat. Vulpes vulpes) is the largest representative of the fox genus. The weight of the fox reaches 10 kilograms, and the length of the body including the tail is 150 cm. Depending on the area of residence, the color of the fox may vary slightly in tonal saturation, but the main color of the back and sides remains bright red, and the belly is white. Black “stockings” are clearly visible on the legs. A characteristic feature of the common fox is the white tip of the tail and dark, almost black ears. Habitat includes all of Europe, North Africa, Asia (from India to South China), North America and Australia. Representatives of this species of foxes happily eat field mice, hares, and young roe deer; when the opportunity arises, they destroy the nests of geese and wood grouse, and feed on carrion, beetles, and insect larvae. Surprisingly, the red fox is a fierce destroyer of oat crops: in the absence of a meat menu, it attacks cereal farmland, causing damage to it.
- American fox (lat. Vulpesmacrotis) – a medium-sized predatory mammal. The body length of a fox varies from 37 cm to 50 cm, the tail reaches a length of 32 cm, the weight of an adult fox ranges from 1.9 kg (for a female) to 2.2 kg (for a male). The back of the animal is colored yellowish-gray or whitish, and the sides are yellowish-brown. The distinctive features of this fox species are a white belly and a black tip of the tail. The lateral surface of the muzzle and the sensitive whiskers are dark brown or black. The length of the fur hairs does not exceed 50 mm. The fox lives in the southwestern deserts of the United States and north of Mexico, feeding on hares and rodents (kangaroo hoppers).
- Afghan fox (Bukhara, Balochistan fox) (lat. Vulpescana)- a small animal belonging to the Canidae family. The length of the fox does not exceed 0.5 meters. The length of the tail is 33-41 cm. The weight of the fox ranges from 1.5-3 kilograms. The Bukhara fox is quite different from other fox species big ears, the height of which reaches 9 cm, and dark stripes coming from upper lip to the corners of the eyes. In winter, the color of the fox's fur on the back and sides becomes a rich brownish-gray color with individual black guard hairs. In summer, its intensity decreases, but the whitish color of the throat, chest and belly remains unchanged. The Afghan fox has no hairline protecting others desert foxes from the hot sand. The main habitat of the fox is the east of Iran, the territory of Afghanistan and Hindustan. Less common in Egypt, Turkmenistan, UAE, Pakistan. The Afghan fox is an omnivore. He eats locusts, mice and gophers with appetite, and does not refuse the vegetarian menu.
- African fox (lat. Vulpespallida) has an external resemblance to the red fox (lat. Vulpes vulpes) but has a more modest size. The total length of the fox's body including the tail does not exceed 70-75 cm, and the weight rarely reaches 3.5-3.6 kg. Unlike the common fox, its African relative has longer legs and ears. The color of the back, legs and tail with a black tip is red with a brown tint, and the muzzle and belly are white. A black rim is clearly visible around the eyes of adult individuals, and a strip of dark-colored fur runs along the ridge. The African fox lives in African countries - it can often be seen in Senegal, Sudan and Somalia. The fox's food consists of both animals (small rodents, lizards) and plant components.
- Bengal fox (Indian fox) (lat. Vulpesbengalensis). This type of fox is characterized by medium size. The height of adult individuals at the withers does not exceed 28-30 cm, the weight of foxes ranges from 1.8 to 3.2 kg, and maximum length body reaches 60 cm. The length of a fox's tail with a black tip rarely reaches 28 cm. The fur that forms the hairline is short and smooth. It is colored in various shades of sandy brown or reddish brown. This species of fox lives in the foothills of the Himalayas and thrives in India and in Bangladesh and Nepal. The Indian fox's menu always includes sweet fruits, but preference is given to lizards, bird eggs, mice, and insects.
- Corsac, steppe fox (lat. Vulpescorsac) has a vague resemblance to common fox However, unlike her, representatives of this type of fox have a shorter pointed muzzle, large wide ears and longer legs. The body length of an adult corsac is 0.5-0.6 m, and the weight of a fox ranges from 4 to 6 kg. The color of the back, sides and tail of the fox is gray, sometimes with a red or red tint, and the color of the belly is yellowish or white. Characteristic feature of this species is the light coloration of the chin and lower lip, as well as a dark brown or black color at the tip of the tail. The steppe fox lives in many countries: from southeastern Europe to Asia, including Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan. Often found in the Caucasus and the Urals, lives on the Don and in the lower Volga region. Steppe foxes feed on rodents (voles, jerboas, mice), destroy nests, hunting for bird eggs, and sometimes attack hedgehogs and hares. Plant food There is practically no food in the diet of the steppe fox.
- Sand fox (lat. Vulpesrueppelli) has characteristically large, wide ears and paws, the pads of which are protected from the hot sand by a thick coat of fur. Unlike most of their relatives, representatives of this species of fox have well-developed not only hearing and smell, but also vision. The pale brown color of the back, tail and sides with individual white guard hairs serves as a good camouflage color for the fox in sandy and stone placers in its habitat. The weight of adult animals rarely reaches 3.5-3.6 kg, and the length of the fox's body including the tail does not exceed 85-90 cm. The sand fox lives in desert areas. Numerous populations are found in the sands of the Sahara Desert - from Morocco and sultry Egypt to Somalia and Tunisia. The sand fox's diet is not very diverse, which is due to its habitat. The fox's food includes lizards, jerboas and mice, spiders and scorpions, which the animal is absolutely not afraid of and deftly absorbs.
- Tibetan fox (lat. Vulpesferrilata) grows to a size of 60-70 cm and weighs about 5 kg. The rusty-brown or fiery red color of the back, gradually turning into the light gray color of the sides and white belly, creates the impression of stripes running along the body of the fox. Fox fur is dense and longer than other species. The fox lives on the territory of the Tibetan plateau, and is less common in northern India, Nepal, and some provinces of China. The food of the Tibetan fox is varied, but its basis is pikas (hay stands), although the fox happily catches mice and hares, does not disdain birds and their eggs, and eats lizards and sweet berries.
- South African fox (lat. Vulpes chama)- a fairly large animal with a weight of 3.5 to 5 kg and a body length of 45 to 60 cm. The length of the tail is 30-40 cm. The color of the fox varies from gray with a silver tint to almost black on the back and gray with a yellowish tint on the belly . The fox lives exclusively in countries South Africa, especially large populations are found in Angola and Zimbabwe. Omnivorous species foxes: food includes small rodents, lizards, low-nesting birds and their eggs, carrion and even food waste, which the animal looks for when entering private yards or landfills.
The character and lifestyle of the fox
The fox most often prefers to get its food during the day. But she has absolutely all the necessary skills for night hunting, which she sometimes does. Its sense organs are very highly developed; many predators can envy them.
The fox's vision is at such a high level that it sees everything even during rather poor visibility. Her ears, which constantly move, pick up the slightest rustling, this helps the fox notice rodents. At the slightest hint that a mouse is nearby, the fox completely freezes and tries in this position to figure out where and how the rodent is sitting.
After this, she makes a powerful jump and lands right on the victim, pressing him tightly to the ground. Each predator has its own territory marked with excrement. Many farmers consider this animal as an agricultural pest. This issue can be viewed from two sides, completely opposite to each other.
Yes, these predators are considered a threat poultry, they can sneak into the chicken coop and steal it. But it was noticed that the fox chooses the weakest and most unadapted chickens. On the other hand, the “red beast” destroys rodents in the fields and near barns, which helps save and double the harvest.
For foxes, encounters with eagles, coyotes, wolves, bears, cougars and humans are very dangerous. In addition to the fact that people hunt the animal for its beautiful, valuable fur, pathetic hunting has long been open for the animal, during which horsemen with dogs surround the fox and drive it to death.
This particular type of hunting has been banned since 2004, but all other types of hunting remain legal. In Japan this animal is revered. For them, the fox is the God of rain and the messenger of the God of rice. According to the Japanese, the fox protects a person from evil and is a symbol of longevity. Native Americans differed in their opinions about this animal. Those Indians who live closer to the North say that she is a wise and noble messenger from heaven. Tribes living on the plains claim that the fox is a cunning and sneaky predator that can lure a person into a deadly embrace in a matter of seconds.
For us, a fox is a wise, decisive animal with an incredible desire for action. In the animal world, foxes are animals with huge internal qualities and potential.
Where does the fox live: habits of the fox. Fox holes
Foxes don't always live in holes. They use these dwellings only when raising offspring, and spend the rest of their time in the open. Foxes have practically no sense of home. They settle where they like, and even then not for long. The fox willingly digs holes near human dwellings; sometimes foxes even wander into big cities. A fox often does not want to dig a hole on its own and uses other people’s homes; for example, a fox greatly respects convenient holes dug by a badger.
A seasoned fox acquires burrows not only to raise offspring in them or to shelter from prolonged bad weather. Burrows often serve as refuge for them in case of danger. An old fox, as usual, has not one hole where her brood is placed, but several at once, which provide her with safe haven in exceptional cases.
Fox hatching holes are mainly located on the slopes of a ravine, not far from a stream, in the forest thicket, that is, where people usually do not wander. It happens that a fox returns from year to year to the hole she once dug. Then such “apartments” are constantly expanded, renovated, and acquired several additional “rooms,” which are usually located on 2–3 floors. Hunters are well acquainted with such holes and call them “centuries-old”.
Typically, a fox's hatching hole is equipped with several exits - holes, which allow it to quietly leave its shelter in case of danger. The main snout, which the fox regularly uses to enter and exit, is visible from afar. Usually this is a clean area, sprinkled with sand, which appeared here as a result of many years of cleaning the hole. Here you can often see fox cubs playing.
Shedding period for a fox
By the end of winter, the fox's coat, previously shiny and fluffy, begins to fade and becomes rough. The fox begins a period of molting - its hair falls out, and the animal loses its external attractiveness. Shedding occurs quite quickly, and by May the foxes acquire a new coat - a summer coat. If the fox is sick or thin, the molting period is extended, and then even in June you can see a fox with disheveled winter fur. Summer wool is not valued: it is coarse and sparse, since there is practically no undercoat - with the beginning of autumn the wool begins to thicken. And only with the onset of cold weather does fox fur begin to be considered full-fledged.
What does a fox eat? How does a fox hunt?
The fox is an excellent hunter. In addition to observation and intelligence, she has excellent memory, a good sense of smell and remarkably acute hearing. The squeak of a vole, for example, can be heard by a fox 100 meters away. Being a predator, the fox eats a wide variety of animals. She happily eats mice, hares, rabbits, amphibians, and reptiles, digs earthworms out of the ground after rain, and catches fish and crayfish in the river. But he especially loves red-haired cheat enjoy the bird. That's why she often looks into chicken coops. By the way, the fox is not at all scared by the human neighborhood, so you can often find a fox hole very close to the village. The fox successfully supplements its meat diet with berries, apples, and vegetables.
Each fox has its own individual feeding area. She jealously protects it from the intrusion of strangers and always knows what is going on near her hole. The fox usually hunts in the evening and at night, although there are exceptions. Some animals prefer to bypass the bedding areas of hares during the day, hunt for birds, and feed exclusively on large game, neglecting mice or frogs.
Despite the fact that the fox will not miss the opportunity to feast on a gaping hare, catch a grouse or destroy a bird's nest, in the forest it brings much more benefit than harm. The main food of foxes remains voles, mice, gophers and other harmful rodents agriculture. And the growing fox cubs large quantities exterminate cockchafers, a well-known pest in forest areas.
Reproduction
Like the wolf, the fox is a monogamous animal that breeds only once a year. The time of the rut and its effectiveness depend on the weather and the fatness of the animals. There are years when up to 60% of females are left without offspring.
Even in winter, foxes begin searching for places to breed their young, and jealously guard them. There are practically no ownerless holes at this time; in the event of the death of one female, her home is immediately occupied by another. A female is often courted by two or three males, and bloody fights occur between them.
Foxes are good parents. Males take an active part in raising their offspring, and also take care of their friends even before the cubs appear. They improve the burrows and even catch fleas from females. If the father dies, another single male takes his place; sometimes the foxes even fight among themselves for the right to become a stepfather.
Pregnancy in foxes lasts 49–58 days. The litter contains from 4–6 to 12–13 puppies, covered with dark brown hair. Outwardly, they resemble wolf cubs, but differ in the white tip of the tail. At two weeks of age, fox cubs begin to see and hear, and their first teeth erupt. Both parents take part in raising fox cubs. The father and mother show extreme caution at this time, and if there is a threat, they will immediately transfer the cubs to a spare hole. They are also forced to hunt around the clock to feed their offspring. Growing puppies begin to leave their “home” early and are often found far from it, while still very small.
For a month and a half, the mother feeds the foxes milk; in addition, parents gradually accustom their cubs to regular food, as well as to obtaining it. Soon, the grown-up fox cubs begin to go hunting with their father and mother, playing with each other, pestering their elders, and sometimes endangering the entire family. From the time of the rut to the final exit of the fox cubs, about 6 months pass. By autumn, the fox cubs are fully grown and can live independently. Males go 20-40 kilometers, females - 10-15, rarely 30 kilometers, looking for a site and a mate. Some females are already next year They begin to reproduce, or at least reach sexual maturity at the age of two.
Economic importance
The vixen has a big economic importance how valuable fur-bearing animal, as well as a regulator of the number of rodents and insects. At the same time, the damage that foxes cause to commercial game and poultry is much less than the benefit they bring by destroying rodents - grain consumers.
Foxes are bred in captivity specifically for their fur. IN late XIX centuries, a breed of silver-black (silver-brown) foxes was artificially bred. Then, thanks to selection, the quality of fur of this breed was significantly improved (compared to the wild type), and a number of other fur breeds were developed on its basis: Platinum, Bakurian, Dakota and others.
In the south of Europe wild foxes- the most common carrier of the rabies virus, so they are vaccinated everywhere.
Domestication
In 1959, D.K. Belyaev, director of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, started long-term experiment on the domestication of silver-black foxes. During the experiment, only individuals that were most friendly towards humans were selected for reproduction. The result of the experiment was the creation of a population of domesticated silver-black foxes, which differ from their wild ancestors in physiology, morphology and behavior. The result was a population of domesticated foxes, some representatives of which showed signs that were absent in the original population: a curled tail, a change in coat color (the appearance of white spotting), a change in the proportions of the skull, and in some puppies drooping ears are noticeable at an early age. There has been a change in the seasonality of reproduction. Changes are observed in various systems, including neuroendocrine. The quality of the fur has deteriorated. This project is a model of the microevolutionary process and is conducted for research purposes.
- In ancient times, fox skins were the equivalent of banknotes.
- Foxes are very smart and cunning animals, often confusing the hunting dogs that pursue them.
- The fox received the nickname “Patrikeevna” on behalf of the Novgorod prince Patrikey, who became famous in his time for his cunning and resourcefulness in conducting trade affairs.
- The image of a fox is widely used in folklore and literature different countries. In most of them, the animal is a symbol of cunning. However, in ancient Mesopotamia the fox was a sacred animal, and in Japan it was considered a werewolf.
- The most famous works in which the fox is one of the main characters are the late 12th century poem “The Romance of the Fox”, Carlo Collodi’s fairy tale “The Adventures of Pinocchio” and “The Little Prince”, written by the famous Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
- A fox's hearing is so perfect that it can hear a squeak. field mouse at a distance of 100 m.
- While eating, the fox chews the meat into small pieces and swallows them without chewing.
- The image of a small fennec fox is the logo of the Firefox line of multimedia products.
- The maned wolf is very similar to a fox, but does not belong to the genus of foxes. Moreover, he lacks characteristic feature foxes - vertical pupil.
Video
Sources
- https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_fox#Reproduction https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox
A fox, moving calmly, walks in a straight line, leaving behind a clear chain of tracks. A frightened animal can run very quickly, at a gallop, or literally spread out over the ground, with its tail fully extended. Among the fox's senses, the most developed are smell and hearing; vision is much less developed - therefore, for example, a fox can come very close to a motionless sitting or standing person from the windy side. During the rut and simply in a state of excitement, the fox emits a sharp, loud bark; foxes squeal piercingly when they fight. The female and male differ in their voices: the female makes a triple “bark” ending in a short howl, the male barks like a dog, without howling. Many foxes, especially young ones, lie down for the day in a field if it is located near a forest and is rich in rodents. Before settling down under a bush or hillock, the fox, frozen in place, examines the surroundings for a long time for danger. Then he curls up, covering his nose and paws with his tail, but before falling asleep, he looks around the area several more times. Foxes also like to relax in dense thickets, ravines and other hard-to-reach places. Foxes hunt in different time day, preferring, however, early morning and late evening, and where they are not pursued, they meet during the day, and without showing anxiety when meeting a person. Otherwise, these animals are extremely cautious and amazing ability to hide and throw off the chase - this is why in the folklore of many peoples the fox is the embodiment of cunning and dexterity (the Japanese spirit is the werewolf Kitsune, the European spirit is Verfuchs). Foxes living near hiking trails, boarding houses, and in places where hunting is prohibited quickly get used to the presence of humans, are easy to feed and can beg. It is assumed that foxes have a sense of magnetic fields.
The fox is one of the animals that adapt very well to a wide variety of climatic conditions. Therefore, in Africa, in America, in Europe and in Asia, you can find this predator everywhere. In Europe alone, there are up to 15 subspecies of foxes, inhabiting almost all geographical zones and differing in size and color.
Description of the fox
This is one of the most common red fox. It differs from other representatives of the genus more large sizes and bright colors.
Animals living in the northern regions have fur of a very rich, almost red color. Foxes living further south have much more modest colors. The fluffy tail with a white tip reaches 60 cm in length. On the flexible and refined body of the fox there is a neat head with a sharp muzzle and always alert large ears.
A description of a fox cannot be complete without describing its hunting abilities. Paws play a big role here. Although they appear a little short relative to their body, they are very strong and muscular. Thanks to such paws and a strong tail, the fox can make fairly large jumps in pursuit of its prey. This feature of the fox allows it to be on par with other predators in vitality. The way a fox looks externally explains its famous hunting talents.
Where does the fox live
It is believed that the fox lives in a hole. In fact, this dwelling is used only for breeding and in rare cases as a shelter from danger, and the rest of the time the foxes spend in a den located in the open, in the grass or in the snow.
They dig burrows on their own, usually on the slopes of ravines with sandy soil, but sometimes they also use dwellings that belonged to other animals - marmots, badgers, arctic foxes. The burrow necessarily has several entrance holes through which one can get into the nest through underground tunnels. An old fox, as a rule, has several holes, where she can always take refuge in case of danger.
What does a fox eat?
The description of the fox characterizes it as a very dexterous and excellent hunter. The main prey of this predator are small animals - mice, hares, and sometimes reptiles. The fox enjoys catching fish, crayfish, and sometimes digs up earthworms. The diet must include berries, fruits and other plant foods. In summer, the fox can also feed on insects, especially its cubs love to feast on various bugs, destroying large quantities of pests of agricultural plants.
In winter, the main food is mouse-like rodents, the squeak of which a fox can hear 100 meters away. Photos of a predator digging up mice can be seen quite often. Foxes hunt birds very interestingly. They usually do this in pairs - one fox carries out distracting maneuvers by rolling on the ground, while the other catches the gaping birds. No wonder there is a fox in everyone folk tales personifies cunning and dexterity. You can often see fox tracks in the snow, which are difficult to confuse with someone else's. Hind legs the predator places exactly in the wake of the front ones, forming an even chain. The area where the fox hunts has its own boundaries and is carefully protected from outsiders.
Fox cubs
In the spring, from 3 to 12 small cubs are born in a fox hole. Like wolves, pups are born once a year. Newborns are very similar to wolf cubs, if you do not pay attention to the main difference, which is necessarily included in the description of a fox - the white tip of the tail. For a month and a half, the fox cubs sit in the hole, feeding on their mother’s milk, then they begin to slowly leave the shelter and even look for prey together with their parents, getting used to regular food.
Both parents participate in the educational process. The male is an exemplary family man, carefully caring for his female and offspring. The cubs are finally released from their holes at the age of 6 months, and already next spring some of them have their own cubs. But they usually reach sexual maturity in the second year of life. Foxes live in stable pairs. If it happens that the breadwinner dies, another male takes care of the family.
The fox is of great value as a fur-bearing animal. The description of the animal necessarily mentions luxurious fur, which can be not only red, but also silver and even black. But the main thing is that the fox is a destroyer of harmful rodents and insects, which brings invaluable benefits to agriculture.
People often associate the fox with cunning and deceit, with a red tail and a wary gaze. However, not all so simple. Our selection includes seven such different and such charming species of foxes, which differ from each other not only in color, but also in their character.
fennec
Fennec fox can't boast large sizes- This animal is smaller than a domestic cat. But the fennec's ears are the envy of all predators - almost half the length of the animal's body! Such ears help the fox to hear the rustling sounds of prey - small insects and lizards that live in the sands northern Africa. In addition, huge ears help to better cool the body during hot weather.
Red fox
Red fox is the most numerous common species among foxes. This animal can be seen throughout Europe, in North America, in India and China, as well as in Australia, where foxes were specially brought as natural enemies endlessly multiplied rodents. Red foxes typically live in burrows. They can dig them themselves or can occupy the empty hole of other animals: marmots, badgers or arctic foxes. However, there are cases when a fox takes up residence in someone else’s burrow, even though its owner has not yet “moved” to another place.
Marbled fox
Actually arctic marbled fox is a subspecies of the common red fox, artificially bred for its exotic fur.
Gray fox
Gray fox lives in North and Central America. They are known for being monogamous animals and living with their partner for the rest of their lives. In addition, this is the only fox that can climb trees.
Black and brown fox
Black and brown fox, or silver fox, differs from the red one only in that there are absolutely no red hairs in its color. Sometimes completely black, sometimes gray with bluish tint, sometimes ashen - foxes of such an exotic color are very popular in livestock farming, where they are used for fur.
polar fox
polar fox, also known as the arctic fox, is famous for its fluffy snow-white fur, which helps the animal withstand cold temperatures down to -70 C. However, in the summer this fox is unrecognizable - the arctic fox is the only one among foxes who changes its color, and in the warm season it becomes dirty brown colors.
