Where does the fox live and what does it eat? Species of foxes (foxes)

From Arctic zone to the northern Gulf Coast. The fox was acclimatized in Australia and spread throughout the continent, with the exception of some northern regions with a humid subequatorial climate.

Previously, it was believed that a separate species of fox lives in America, but in Lately it is considered a subspecies of the red fox.

Appearance

Vulpes vulpes- Scull

The color and size of foxes vary in different areas; in total there are 40-50 subspecies, not taking into account smaller forms. In general, as you move north, foxes become larger and lighter in color, and as you move south, they become smaller and duller in color. IN northern regions and in the mountains black-brown and other melanistic forms of fox coloration are also more common. The most common color: bright red back, white belly, dark paws. Often foxes have brown stripes on the ridge and shoulder blade, similar to a cross. Common distinguishing features: dark ears and white tip of the tail. Externally, the fox is a medium-sized animal with a graceful body on low paws, an elongated muzzle, pointed ears and a long fluffy tail.

Molting begins in February-March and ends in mid-summer. Immediately after this, the fox begins to grow winter fur, in which it is completely dressed by the turn of November and December. Summer fur is much thinner and shorter, winter fur is thicker and more lush. Foxes are distinguished by their large locator ears, with the help of which they pick up sound vibrations. Ears for foxes are the “catcher” of prey.

The vocalization of the red fox is the same howl as that of a wolf, only lower in tone.

Ecology

Red fox

The significant variety of color and size of the fox is associated with the breadth of its range and the great diversity of living conditions in its individual parts. Suffice it to say that foxes inhabit, albeit with different densities, all landscape-geographical zones, from the tundra and subarctic forests to the steppe and deserts, including mountain ranges in all climatic zones. Moreover, the fox is found not only in wildlife, but also in cultural landscapes, as well as on the outskirts of cities, including large ones (such as Kyiv and Warsaw; in London, foxes are quite common on the outskirts, and sometimes appear in the central part of the city). Moreover, at times in urbanized areas the fox finds a particularly favorable environment for itself. They often inhabit city landfills, parks and basements of houses.

In all parts of its range, the fox prefers open areas, as well as areas where there are separate groves, copses, hills and ravines, especially if in winter the snow cover in them is not too deep and loose. Therefore, of all the climatic zones, most foxes live in the steppe and forest-steppe, and not in the forest.

The fox is a fairly sedentary animal. In most areas it is not characterized by regular migrations. Cases of such are observed only in the tundra, deserts and mountains. For example, one of the foxes tagged in the Malozemelskaya tundra (Arkhangelsk region, Russia) was later killed 600 kilometers to the southwest. Young animals that migrate from the parental den are usually located at a distance of 2-5 to 15-30 km from it.

The number of foxes fluctuates noticeably from year to year. Its condition is influenced by such factors as the number of rodents, meteorological conditions, the presence in the population infectious diseases. In hungry years, not only does the fertility of females decrease and fewer puppies survive, but conditions also arise that are favorable for the spread of epizootics, which sometimes cover large areas. Epizootics characteristic of foxes are rabies, predator plague, and scabies.

In the wild, foxes rarely live more than seven years, often life expectancy does not exceed three. In captivity, animals live up to 20-25 years.

Nutrition

Fox with prey

The fox, although it belongs to typical predators, feeds on a very diverse diet. Among the food it eats, more than 400 species of animals alone have been identified, not counting several dozen species of plants. Everywhere, the basis of its diet consists of small rodents, mainly voles. One can even say that the state of the population of this predator largely depends on the sufficiency of their number and availability. This especially applies to winter period, when a fox lives primarily by hunting field mice: the animal, sensing a rodent under the snow cover, listens to its squeak, and then quickly dives into the snow with quick jumps, or scatters it with its paws, trying to catch its prey. This method of hunting is called mouseing.

Economic importance

The fox is of great economic importance as a 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 southern Europe, wild foxes are the largest carrier of the rabies virus, so they are vaccinated everywhere.

Domestication

Subspecies

The species is very rich in variety of subspecies. There are more than 40 of them in total; in this diversity, the Red Fox species is second only to the wolf, the progenitor of the domestic dog, and shows an amazing adaptive ability to survive in the process of evolution and the life of this amazing omnivore:

• Vulpes vulpes abietorum
• Vulpes vulpes aeygptica
• Vulpes vulpes alascensis
• Vulpes vulpes alpherakyi
• Vulpes vulpes alticola
• Vulpes vulpes anatolica
• Vulpes vulpes arabica
• Vulpes vulpes atlantica
• Vulpes vulpes barbaras
• Vulpes vulpes beringiana
• Vulpes vulpes cascadensis
• Vulpes vulpes caucasica
• Vulpes vulpes crucigera
• Vulpes vulpes daurica
• Vulpes vulpes diluta
• Vulpes vulpes dolichocrania
• Vulpes vulpes dorsalis
• Vulpes vulpes flavescens
• Vulpes vulpes fulva
• Vulpes vulpes griffithi
• Vulpes vulpes harrimani
• Vulpes vulpes hoole
• Vulpes vulpes ichnusae
• Vulpes vulpes induta
• Vulpes vulpes jakutensis
• Vulpes vulpes japonica
• Vulpes vulpes karagan
• Vulpes vulpes kenaiensis
• Vulpes vulpes krimeamontana
• Vulpes vulpes kurdistanica
• Vulpes vulpes macroura
• Vulpes vulpes montana
• Vulpes vulpes necator
• Vulpes vulpes ochroxanta
• Vulpes vulpes palaestina
• Vulpes vulpes peculiosa
• Vulpes vulpes pusilla
• Vulpes vulpes regalis
• Vulpes vulpes rubricosa
• Vulpes vulpes schrencki
• Vulpes vulpes silacea
• Vulpes vulpessplendidissima
• Vulpes vulpes stepensis
• Vulpes vulpes tobolica
• Vulpes vulpes tschiliensis

Reflection in art

The red fox is a very common character in folklore. different countries peace. IN European countries she, as a rule, embodies cunning and deceit, playing quite a variety of roles: from treacherous scoundrels (as in a number of Russian fairy tales) to intelligent advisers (As in Boris Shergin's fairy tale Poig and the Fox). One of the most famous fox characters is Renard the Fox, a character in the classic medieval poem Romance of the Fox.

In Mesopotamian mythology, the fox is a sacred animal. She serves the goddess Ki as a messenger. In Finland, the fox is a symbol of cunning, but not evil.

In Japanese mythology, there are kitsune werefoxes who can take on human form. They have enormous knowledge and master magic. Kitsune later became popular in literature, cinema and video games. Spirits similar to kitsune also appear in Chinese and Korean myths.

Literature

• 1100 - Medieval poem “The Romance of the Fox”
• 1793 - “Reinecke the Fox” by J. W. Goethe
• 1879 - “Brother Fox and Brother Rabbit. From the Tales of Uncle Remus" Joel Chandler Harris
• 1883 - “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi: Fox, one of the negative characters
• 1905 - “Red Fox” Charles Roberts: about the life of a fox from the deep forest regions of Eastern Canada
• 1909 - “Domino” by E. Seton-Thompson: about the adventures of a fox named Domino
• 1935 - “The Golden Key, or the Adventures of Pinocchio” by Alexei Tolstoy: fox Alice
• 1943 - “The Little Prince” A.-E. Exupery. The fox is the author of the classic speech about taming.
• 1965 - “Tutta Carlson is the first and only, Ludwig the Fourteenth and others” by Jan Ekholm: about the friendship of the fox Ludwig and the chicken Tutta Carlson
• 1965 - “Little Fox Vuk” by Istvan Fekete
• 1967 - The Fox and the Hound by Daniel Pratt Mannix
• 1970 - The Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl: Mr. Fox, Mrs. Fox and Their Children
• 1989 - “The Moon Beast” by Harry Kilworth: about the life of the fox O-ha
• 2001 - “The Case of the Werefoxes” by Holm van Zaitchik: alternative history with elements of mysticism
• 2004 - “The Sacred Book of the Werewolf” by V. Pelevin: about the were-fox A Khuli

Animation

• 1937 - “Reinecke the Fox” directed by Vladislav Starevich: based on the poem of the same name by J. V. Goethe
• 1973 - Disney's Robin Hood: Robin Hood and Maid Marian
• 1978 - “Poiga and the Fox”: based on the fairy tale by B. Shchergin
• 1980 - “How foxes and chickens became friends
• 1981 - “Vuk”: based on the fairy tale by I. Fekete about an orphaned fox
• 1981 - Disney's "The Fox and the Hound": Tod the fox and his friend Vixie. Based on the book of the same name by Daniel Pratt Mannix
• 1984 - “Pillow for the Sun”: Alice the fox and her grandmother
• 1986 - “A Winter Story”: a Welsh cartoon about the little fox Mick and his parents
• 1986 - “Wonderful Forest”: one of the cartoon characters is the fox Lily. Based on the book by Suncana Skrinjaric
• 1987 - “Abduction in Tyuturlistan”: the fox Khitrunya is one of the main characters
• 1989-1993 - “Little Fox”: a series of Soviet cartoons about a little fox and his friends
• 1992-1995 - “The Animals of Farthing Wood”: Fox and Vixen and their cubs
• 1999 - “Foxbusters”: a fox tribe led by King Voracious
• 1995 - “The Incredible Adventures of Dwarves”: the fox is a friend of the main character, the gnome David
• 2003 - “Cunning Little Vixen”: based on Leoš Janáček’s opera “Příhody lišky bystroušky” (The Adventures of a Trickster Fox)
• 2005 - “Renard the Fox” directed by Thierry Schiel: based on the medieval “Romance of the Fox”
• 2006 - “Night of the Autumn Full Moon”: based on Japanese fairy tales. The Story of the Fox and the Badger
• 2009 - “Fantastic Mr. Fox”: Mr. Fox, Mrs. Fox, their son, and nephew

Movie

• 1975 - “The Adventures of Pinocchio”: film adaptation of the fairy tale by Alexei Tolstoy
• 1984 - “Red-haired honest lover”: based on the fairy tale by Jan Ekholm
• 2005 - “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” - Mr. Fox
• 2006 - “Fox Helen”

Music

• 1923 - “The Adventures of the Trickster Fox” (Czech: Příhody lišky bystroušky): opera by Leoš Janáček about the life of the fox Ostroushka

Fox is carnivorous mammal an animal belonging to the Canidae family. Outwardly, she looks like a wolf with her fluffy tail, pointed muzzle and non-retractable claws. But she also has something from cats, for example, a vertical pupil, characteristic of leading animals night look life. You can meet them on any continent except Antarctica. They are all very similar to each other, but at the same time, each type has its own characteristics.

Scientific classification:

Family - Canidae

Squad - Predatory

Class - Mammals

Type - Chordata

Kingdom - Animals

Domain - Eukaryotes

Subfamily Caninae

Fox genus

Common fox (Vulpes vulpes)

American corsac dog (Vulpes velox)

The American corsac is called the dwarf agile fox. This species is widespread in North America. It can be found both in dry deserts and in grassy plains. In summer, it is nocturnal and waits out the heat of the day in deep burrows. In winter, she can happily lie in the sun. It feeds on insects, rabbits, rodents, and carrion. Foxes are secretive and fearful animals. They run very fast, reaching speeds of up to 60 km per hour, which is why they were called “fast foxes”. In nature, their lifespan is 3-4 years. In captivity they can live up to 13 years.

The Afghan fox has two other names. It is called Balochistan and Bukhara. It is listed in the Red Book. The fox is mainly distributed in Afghanistan, Eastern Iran and Northwestern Hindustan. It lives in semi-desert steppes and mountains, but can also be found in hot areas of Israel near the Dead Sea and in agricultural regions. A distinctive feature of this small fox is that the length of its fluffy tail is equal to the length of its body. She has a very big ears, which help her not only hear well, but also cool her body in hot weather. Also distinctive feature is a black stripe running from the eyes to upper lip. The Afghan fox is an omnivore. Compared to other foxes, it is more herbivorous.

The African fox is common in the semi-desert regions of Africa that border the Sahara Desert. Foxes live in small groups or pairs. They dig deep, long holes in which they hide from the heat during the day. They feed on rodents, birds, eggs and vegetation. There is a period when they eat only wild melons and berries. Usually they give birth to 3-6 fox cubs, weighing from 50-100 grams. Foxes reach sexual maturity within one year of their life. Both parents and other members of the group take part in raising the puppies. The lifespan of foxes is up to 10 years.

The Bengal fox is also called the Indian fox, as it lives in the Indian subcontinent. It avoids dense forests and deserts, so it can be found in fields, mountains and sparse forests. It can also settle near human settlements. Feeds small mammals, insects, bird eggs and fruits. Lives up to 10 years. It digs two types of holes: simple, with only two entrances, and complex, with several entrances. It is an object of sport hunting, and its teeth and claws are also used in medicine.

The corsac or steppe fox is common in semi-deserts, deserts and steppes of Southeast Europe and Asia. Like all foxes, she lives in burrows. But he prefers to occupy other people's burrows of marmots, gophers, gerbils, badgers and foxes. Unlike other types of foxes, the corsac fox eats almost no plant food. Can go without water for a long time. Corsacs are monogamous, so they mate once and for life.

The sand fox is also called Rüppell's fox, named after the German zoologist. Since the fox lives in hot regions, the pads of its paws are covered with thick hair, which protects them from overheating. She has an excellent sense of smell, vision and hearing. Can go without water for a long time. This species' competitors are Brown foxes, which are pushing the sand fox into more extreme habitats. Therefore, this species was on the verge of extinction. The sand fox is protected by nature reserves, so hunting it is prohibited.

The Tibetan fox is the smallest of the fox family. It is distinguished from other foxes by having the longest fangs. It is distributed mainly in the semi-deserts and steppes of the Tibetan plateau. She lives only where there are pikas, which are her main food. They go hunting only in pairs and divide the prey in half. They live in burrows or dens. Life expectancy is possible up to 10 years, but most often they do not live even five years. Their lives are threatened by domestic dogs and poisoned pikas.

Fennec fox is the smallest fox in the Canidae family. She is smaller than a house cat. Its peculiarity is that among all predators, its ears are very large compared to the size of its head. Their length is 15 cm. In youth, fennecs are all white, and then they begin to acquire a reddish color. They live mainly in central Sahara. They live in groups, the number of which can reach up to ten. They are nocturnal. They are omnivores.

They dig deep, long holes. In April, the female gives birth to 2-6 puppies, weighing only 50 grams. She stays with them for two weeks, and food is brought to her by the male, whom she does not allow near the puppies at first. Life expectancy is 7-8 years, but in captivity they can live up to 20. The enemies of this fox are primarily people who kill them for their fur or catch them for sale as a pet. A snake entering the hole can also kill this fox.

The South African fox is distributed in southern Africa, except in coastal areas near Indian Ocean. This species inhabits savannas and semi-deserts. She loves open areas. Hunts alone at night. These foxes are breeding all year round. A family is created once for a lifetime. Life expectancy in nature is up to 6 years.

Genus Arctic foxes

The arctic fox or arctic fox is common in the Arctic Circle. It can be found both on the coast of the Arctic Ocean and on its islands. It lives in open tundras. The Arctic fox is the only representative of the canine family that changes its color depending on the season. The Arctic fox can be white or blue in color. White Arctic fox only in winter it is snow-white, and in summer it becomes dirty - brown. “Blue” is the name given to arctic foxes that have an ash-gray with blue tint or dark brown, iridescent with silver, and it can also be coffee or light brown. Brown. The Arctic fox is an omnivore. The enemies of arctic foxes are wolves, wolverines, foxes, as well as white owls and eagles. This species is the source valuable fur.

Genus Gray foxes

The gray fox is a very dexterous and agile animal, which, unlike other foxes, can climb trees. A distinctive feature of this fox is the black stripe on its tail, which stretches from its base to the end. Its sides, neck and paws are a basic dark brown color, and its belly is white. Back, head and tail gray. Pairs are created once and for life. This fox is hunted for its soft fur.

Externally, in color, this fox is no different from the Gray fox living on the continent. It differs only in its size. Animals that live on islands most often become dwarfs. This fox is no larger than a cat. The fox is a clear example of insular dwarfism, which usually occurs due to food scarcity and relative safety. The main enemy of this fox is the golden eagle, which is main reason mortality of this species.

Maikongi clan

Maikong inhabits grassy and wooded plains. During the rainy season, it can also be found in mountainous areas. Hunts alone at night. Omnivorous. His diet even includes crabs. It is called the “crab-eater fox.” He loves mangoes and bananas. He does not dig his own holes, but occupies others. They breed twice a year. Puppies are born dark gray with a red spot. A litter usually contains 2-5 puppies weighing 120-150 grams. After a month, they change coat color and become the same color as adult foxes. After three months, the puppies are completely ready for independent living.

Genus Small foxes (Atelocynus)

The red fox is listed in the Red Data Books of Colombia and Brazil. This is the only species of fox capable of living in tropical forests. Settles away from people and closer to water and food. Leads a solitary lifestyle. The offspring produces a small number of 2-4 puppies.

Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus)

The Andean fox is one of the largest species in the genus of South American foxes. She reaches a weight of 13 kg. In many ways it is very similar to red fox. This type includes 6 subspecies that live along the entire western coast of South America. Lives on open spaces and in deciduous forests.

South American fox (Lycalopex griseus)

Lives in the south of the mainland
South America . It can be found in the hot bushes of Argentina, and in the cold steppes of Patagonia and in the Chilean forests. It is one of the smallest foxes on this continent. Its weight is from 2-4 kg. Body length is 42-68 cm. It is an object of extraction of beautiful fur.

Darwin's fox (Lycalopex fulvipes)

The fox was named after the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, who discovered this species in 1831 on the island of Chiloe near Chile. At first it was considered an island fox, but later this species of fox was discovered on the continent. This is a forest animal that lives in humid jungles and leads a solitary lifestyle. Weighs from 2-4 kg. This fox does not mate with representatives of another species belonging to the genus South American foxes. The Darwinian fox is endangered. There are 200 foxes on the island, and 50 on the continent.

Paraguayan fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus)

This species of fox is common in the pampas (treeless steppe) of Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina. Its weight is from 4-7 kg. Omnivore. Hunts at night. She rarely digs holes herself, but usually takes abandoned ones. In captivity it can live up to 14 years.

Brazilian fox (Lycalopex vetulus)

Found in southwest Brazil. Inhabits savannas, mountainous and forested areas. It feeds mainly on insects, termites, which it hunts in the soil. Lives in abandoned armadillo burrows. She usually gives birth to 2-4 puppies. Male accepts Active participation in raising puppies. At 10 months of age, fox cubs leave their parental home.

Securan fox (Lycalopex sechurae)

Distributed in forests and deserts in northwestern Peru and southwestern Ecuador. Refers to the smallest omnivorous species South American foxes. In winter and spring, the main diet is plant foods. In autumn and winter it eats poultry and guinea pigs. Leads a nocturnal lifestyle. They produce offspring in October - November. The main threat to babies is the boa constrictors that hunt them.

Genus Falkland foxes (Dusicyon)

Falkland fox (Dusicyon australis)

This is an extinct species of fox that was discovered in 1692 by Captain John Strong in the Falkland Islands. This fox was uncontrollably shot by hunters for its fur and poisoned, as it posed a threat to flocks of sheep. The last fox killed in 1876. Specimens of this fox can be found in museums in London, Brussels, Leiden and Stockholm. Her image can be seen on the reverse of the Falkland Islands 50p coin.

Subfamily Big-eared foxes (Otocyoninae)

The bat-eared fox is distributed in two regions of Africa, where herbivorous termites live. It inhabits semi-deserts and dry savannas. In winter she is diurnal, and in summer she is nocturnal. The presence of 48 teeth is the main distinguishing feature of this species. It almost never eats plant foods and does not attack domestic animals. The ears, which help cool the body in the heat and hear the movement of prey well, are 13 cm long. It has only one subspecies - Otocyon megalotis virgatus. Foxes are monogamous. Once a year, a female gives birth to 2-6 puppies, but since she has only four nipples, she kills weak foxes. The threat to the fox comes from local residents who kill it for its fur and meat.

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Fox- one of the most graceful predators that fill almost the forests of Russia and many other countries! And today, friends, we will tell you about life common fox in nature.

Description of the common fox

In nature, there are more than 50 species of foxes, which have one thing in common - a slender physique. Fox rather resembles a cat, with a long build and a weight of 10 kg. She has an elongated muzzle, small pointed ears, short legs and a long, fluffy tail, which is the main decoration, along with fur, of course. The tail itself occupies about 40% of the body length, growing up to 40-60 cm. The fur of the predator requires special attention– most often the color is bright orange with a white belly and dark paws, but northern individuals are lighter. Fur common fox thick and short, which she sheds from February to mid-summer, acquiring a new soft and smoother one. But, the most interesting thing is in the form of shells, thanks to which the animal has excellent hearing, and it can clearly boast of a sense of smell. You've probably seen a fox jumping in the snow more than once in fairy tales? And all thanks to hearing, which allows a rodent to hear under a thick layer of snow . Lifespan common fox 30 years.

HABITAT AND REPRODUCTION OF FOXES

Where does the common fox live?

Fox- an animal that lives in pairs or families.
As a rule, they independently dig holes for themselves for a comfortable existence, or settle in abandoned ones. For your hole fox chooses sandy soil next to a ravine where rain will not fall. But holes are needed only for shelter and breeding; in other cases, the animal can easily do without them. Do you know that fox inhabits Russia, America, Europe, reaching Africa and Australia. But not only the forest creates the most comfortable conditions; parks, cities and even landfills are no worse. Thanks to its hearing and sense of smell, the fox is a good hunter, diet which includes not only rodents and various animals, but also insects. Essentially, she is a predator that will eat anything that is edible - hares, snakes, lizards, fish, chicks and bird eggs, mainly hunting at night.
And despite the short legs, the fox runs quite deftly and quickly.

Reproduction of foxes

At the end of winter, the female goes in search of a male, who may fight among themselves for the right to choose her. The winner gets the female's approval for reproduction. Pregnancy lasts approximately 50 days, and after their birth, the males again enter into battle for the right to raise the cubs. All newborns look more like small puppies with a white tail, which are born not big amount during the period from April to May.

VIDEO: ABOUT FOXES

IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL LEARN A LOT OF USEFUL AND INTERESTING ABOUT THE LIFE OF FOXES IN NATURE

The fox is a very fast, fierce and cunning predator. But this does not mean that she herself does not become a victim of stronger predators.

There are many different predators that consider it a good meal. Since the fox is medium in size, this makes it quite easy prey for many large animals. At the same time, she is not too difficult to defeat.

And in today’s article we will talk about who could be a potential enemy for this animal.

Lynx

Asking the question “Who eats the fox?” you immediately need to answer - lynx. The lynx is an animal that lives next to the fox. These are very experienced hunters with powerful jaws. Fox is a common food for this species of cat. In most cases, when these two animals meet, the fox dies and becomes food for the stronger cat.

Wolves

Despite the fact that he, like the fox, is a canine, that is, essentially, relatives, he will still hunt it. Since wolves live in a pack, and it consists of a large number of individuals, they can bypass their prey from different sides. They begin to move towards the prey, forming a narrow circle, so that the victim has no opportunity to escape.

Since one, even an adult fox, will not be enough to feed all members of the pack, wolves will begin to hunt for more animals.

In general, it is not their favorite treat. And it is too small in size, especially for voracious young males. However, if there is little food in the forest or other habitat, then wolves will begin to practice cannibalism.

For this reason, in some areas of the planet they meet each other as enemies, and in other areas as members of the canid family.

The wolf is a very wise hunter and will do everything possible to provide enough food for his entire pack. Therefore, in regions where there are problems with living creatures and foxes and wolves live, the former are in serious danger.

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By the way, statistics also speak about this. In those regions where there are no wolves, but there are foxes, they feel almost completely safe. Moreover, in such regions there is rapid growth number of “redheads”. On average, their population has doubled and in some places tripled in the absence of wolves.

Who, as a child, did not listen to fairy tales from their mother’s lips in which the main character was a fox? Such people simply probably do not exist.

In all fairy tales, the fox is described as a cunning red-haired beauty who can incredibly deceive and eat her prey. And these fairy tales are actually not far from the truth. Wild animals fox, Namely, we will talk about them now; they have a simply gorgeous red fur coat, which becomes thick and lush in winter.

The coat color changes depending on the animal’s habitat, from bright red to paler. The tail is always darker, and its tip is colored White color. This is the fur coat color of wild animals.

The photo shows a wild fox

Those that are grown specifically on farms are most often platinum or silver-black (black-brown) in color. Such animals are highly valued in the fur industry. The fox is small in size.

In the photo there is a silver fox

She is slim and agile. Its body length is approximately 90 cm, it weighs from 6 to 10 kg. She is flexible and dignified. Thanks to its relatively short legs, it is easy for the animal to creep up on its prey and attack it unnoticed.

But, despite the fact that the legs are short, they are very strong and muscular, which helps to jump suddenly and far in length. The fox's muzzle is elongated, with an elegant, thin nose. The ears are rather large and always alert.

About the animal fox it cannot be said that she is strong, like a wolf, or has sharp fangs, like a wolf, or strong claws, like a wild cats, but in its vitality it is not inferior to these predatory animals in any way.

Features and habitat of the fox

Forest animals fox live on almost the entire planet, except arctic tundra and islands. There are about 11 species and 15 subspecies of this animal.

This wild predator loves the tundra, taiga, mountains, deserts, and steppe. Anywhere he can adapt and arrange for himself native home. The closer she lives to the North, the larger her size, and the brighter and more saturated the color of her coat.

And vice versa, in the southern regions the fox is smaller and its color is paler. They never get attached to anything specific place residence.

Thanks to their amazing ability to adapt, they can live a thousand kilometers from their real homeland.

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 this level high level that she 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 it 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 a pest for Agriculture. This issue can be viewed from two sides, completely opposite to each other.

Yes, these predators are considered a threat to poultry; they can sneak into the chicken coop and steal it. But it was noticed that the fox chooses the weakest and most unadapted to life. On the other hand, the “red beast” destroys rodents in the fields and near barns, which helps save and double the harvest.

The photo shows a fox hunting a mouse.

It is very dangerous for foxes to meet a cougar and a human. 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 people on horseback 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. 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 animal world foxes- these are animals with huge internal qualities and potential.

Fox food

Animal world fox It is designed in such a way that these predators are able to amazingly adapt and find a convenient moment for this in getting their own food. Their main food is rodents and various small animals. In times of hunger they will not refuse carrion, insects and berries.

The interesting thing is that before catching its prey, the fox fully studies its habits. For example, in order to feast on a hedgehog, which she cannot reach because of the thorns, she can sharply push it into a pond.

In the water he turns around and the fox grabs him by the belly with lightning speed. Wild foxes have to be caught in pairs. One distracts, the other sneaks up and suddenly attacks.

Rodents cannot hide from foxes even under the snow. Incredible hearing detects any rustling sound. Fox type of animal, which under no circumstances weather conditions will not be left without food.

The photo shows a white fox

The fox is a cunning animal. And it is precisely this feature that is its main and distinctive feature. She helps the animal survive in any critical situation and find a way out of it.

White fox animal- is not mythical creature. In fact, these animals exist. They are very similar to their relatives with red fur. You can meet them in the tundra, in the Scandinavian Kola Peninsula, in Polar Eurasia and North America, in the south of the Baikal region, in Japan.

Reproduction and lifespan of a fox

Spring time is the period when little foxes are born. Before giving birth, mother foxes dig a large hole, and they can outwit someone and occupy his territory.

Gestation time is approximately 44-58 days. Usually 4 to 6 babies are born. A caring mother feeds her children milk for 45 days, then gradually introduces them to solid food. After they are two years old, they become fully grown and independent, capable of reproducing and getting their own food.

In the wild, foxes live for about seven years; at home, their life expectancy can reach 20-25 years. Foxes as pets– this is all quite real and possible. Just first you need to better know how to properly care for them and take some precautions.

The very first thing is that not every country allows you to keep a fox at home, so you need to find out from competent people how things are in your country. The second and also important factor is the presence of a familiar veterinarian who will be able to examine the animal at any time, provide it with veterinary care, and give it the necessary vaccinations.

The pet must have its own space. The fox must be provided with a den in which it can hide at any time, sand for the potty, which it can very quickly be taught to walk on.

How more people spends time with the fox, the closer the connection between them becomes. Domestic foxes are not much different from and. You can also play with them and take them for walks on a leash. Foxes buy an animal You can go to a pet store or find an advertisement for the sale of exotic animals.