Foxes are usually considered to be sly creatures and hunters. The truth is, they are like any other carnivorous animal who hunt to eat and survive and are often preyed upon by larger animals like wolves, coyotes, eagles, etc. The fox contributes to nature by keeping the ecological balance under control as it keeps a check on the rodent population. Foxes can be found in almost any habitat and are thus found on all continents. Not many people are aware of the amazing facts about fox. Read on to know some really interesting information on the fox.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Species: 27 (approximately)
Height: 15 - 35 inches (depending on species)
Weight: 12 - 15 pounds (depending on species)
Natural Habitat: Found all over the world
Diet: Rodents, Small Birds, Rabbits and Other Small Mammals
Age: 4-6 years in wild; 11-13 years in captivity
Gestation Period: 50 to 60 days
Number of Offspring: 4-5
Interesting & Amazing Information on Fox
- Foxes are essentially nocturnal animals and are the smallest member of the dog family.
- The most common species of the foxes is the red fox, which is about the size of a large cat. It is characterized by a reddish coat, a white underbelly and a bushy tail with a white tip, with some variations depending on the habitat. It is the largest of the fox specie.
- The grey fox is widely found specie that bears resemblance to the red fox. It is slightly smaller and has a grey coat.
- While the red fox prefers open country habitat for survival, the grey fox prefers dense areas such as forests to survive.
- The world’s smallest fox is the Fennec fox, weighing a mere 3.5 pounds. It is normally found in arid regions such as deserts. It has an exceptional hearing capacity and can detect its prey moving underground.
- Foxes are known to have both canine and feline characteristics. Even though they are considered to be a member of the dog family, they have feline characteristics such as vertically slit eyes and retractable claws. They are excellent tree climbers and also play with their prey before killing it, just like a cat.
- The sexual maturity is attained at around 10 months of age. The female fox produces a litter with around 3-5 pups and has a gestation period of 50 to 60 days. The young of a fox is referred to as “kit”.
- Foxes are known to use a wide range of vocalizations and pitch tones to communicate with each other.
- The fox is considered to be a sacred animal in Japan.
