Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Description
- The red fox is a small, doglike animal that is rusty-red
with white underparts, chin and throat. The ears are prominent
and the tail is long and bushy with a white tip. Backs
of the ears, lower legs and the feet are black. The red
fox goes through colour phases of black, silver, and mixed.
Distribution - The red fox prefers the edges of forests,
tilled fields and near marshes but they can be found on
farmland, beaches, prairies, woodlands and both alpine
and arctic tundra. They thrive throughout most of British
Columbia.
Biology - After a 51-53 day gestation period, up to
10 kits are born. Because of its well-developed sense
of hearing, sight, and smell the red fox is an efficient
and lethal predator; being an omnivore it eats whatever
is available including corn, berries, apples, grasses,
birds and mammals. The fox has many enemies including
coyote, lynx, and humans. It is also susceptible to rabies.
Tracks - The trail of the red fox generally follows
fencelines and the edges of forests and fields in a straight
line but this line may vary depending on the animals speed
and gait. The print is usually smaller, longer and narrower
than that of a dogs. The front print is wider and larger
than the pointed hind print. The heel pad is an inverted
V-shape with a unique calloused ridge across the center
of the pad.
Straddle: 8 - 10.5 cm (3.2 - 4.2 in)
Stride: 30 - 40 cm (12 - 16 in)
Track: 5.5 cm (2.2 in) long / 5 cm (2 in) wide
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