Fox (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain everything about foxes, where they live, what they eat and other characteristics. Also, how they reproduce and how long they live.

Some species of foxes are hunted for their fur and are in danger of extinction.

What are foxes?

A group of animals are known as foxes or vulpines. group of quadrupedal mammals of the canid family characterized by being agile, fast solitary hunters, considered in the culture of different regions of the world as a symbol of cunning and liveliness.

There are around 27 species of foxes known, grouped into four different genera:

Vulpes (European foxes)
fennecus (fennecs)
Otocyon (eared foxes or ototions)
Urocyon (american foxes)

However, it is common for the name “fox” to be given to canids from other different genera, species of wild dogs that share certain physical or behavioral traits with the fox.

Foxes are animals with an abundant population throughout the world, which can even become a pest in the regions where they were artificially introduced, as happened in Australia, where they were imported during the 19th century for the purpose of rodent control. in agricultural fields. Thus, they have been responsible for the extinction of species of rabbits and rodents.

These are wild animals and distrustful of human presence frequently hunted to use their fur to make coats, to the point that many species are in danger of extinction due to human hands. At the same time, others have been able to be domesticated through selective reproduction.

Characteristics of foxes

fox characteristics — The fur of foxes varies in color and abundance depending on the habitat to which they have adapted.

In general, foxes are characterized by the following:

These are canids (animals similar to dogs), that is, quadrupedal mammals with a long snout and a more or less hairy body and medium-sized tail, but Unlike dogs, they have large, pointed ears and a thin, angular snout.
are smaller in body than other members of the canid family (like dogs, wolves and coyotes), and their fur varies in color and abundance according to the habitat to which they adapted. The arctic fox, for example, has dense, abundant, white fur, while the common fox tends to have long, less dense, reddish fur.
have very acute senses of smell and hearing which allow them to be great hunters, at the same time as very elusive animals in the face of their possible predators or rivals.
Unlike other canids, are solitary animals which come together to reproduce and then regain their independence.
Domesticated specimens have demonstrated behaviors similar to those of dogs common, such as wagging their tail, licking their owners, and responding to the call of their name.

Where do foxes live?

fox habitat where they live — Foxes are found even in the tundras near the pole.

The foxes have adapted to practically all habitats in the world depending on the species. They are particularly abundant in Europe and North America, and also have a presence in the near-pole regions of the tundras of northern Europe and Asia. In general, these are inhabitants of the northern hemisphere of the world.

What do foxes eat?

Foxes are hunters, that is, predators. Their diet is basically omnivorous that is, it is made up of everything they get: insects, small rodents, rabbits, small birds, eggs, small fish, some fruits and even carrion or remains of human food. It is common for them to hide food, burying something to devour it later.

How do foxes reproduce?

fox reproduction — Foxes give birth deep in a den or burrow.

Like all mammals, foxes they reproduce sexually and viviparously. They may establish long-standing, monogamous relationships, or they may be polygamous and continually exchange reproductive partners.

Females' heat lasts between 3 days and 3 weeks, and have a gestation period of around 52 days, and have between 4 and 5 puppies per litter. Birth occurs deep in a den or burrow that foxes can dig at the foot of trees and other soft ground, or even in warm, closed spaces of human buildings.