The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the largest of the true foxes and the most geographically widespread member of the Carnivora being present across the entire Northern Hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to North Africa North America and Eurasia. It is listed as least concern by the IUCN. Its range has increased alongside human expansion having been introduced to Australia where it is considered harmful to native mammal and bird populations. Due to its presence in Australia it is included on the list of the world’s 100 worst invasive species.
The red fox typically weighs 3.6-7 kg (8-16 lb) but foxes of up to 15 kg (33 lb) have been recorded in Russia. It has a body length of 65-70 cm (26-28 in) a tail length of 34-45.5 cm (13.4-18.0 in) and a shoulder height of 38-50 cm (15-20 in). The largest specimens ever recorded for the species were a male caught in Alaska which weighed 31 kg (68 lb) and a female from British Columbia which weighed 28.4 kg (62.6 lb). The red fox is considered one of the most physically versatile members of the Canidae. It can run at a top speed of approximately 96 km/h (60 mph) and is capable of sprinting short distances at up to 48 km/h (30 mph).
In the wild it generally lives around 2-5 years but can live up to 15 years in captivity. The red fox has immeasurable senesce meaning that its physical abilities does not significantly decline with age. The most common cause of death is disease followed by predation and malnutrition.
The red fox is typically an omnivore but the diet of individual subspecies as well as age and season can cause considerable dietary variation. In North America the red fox consumes large quantities of rabbits mice ground squirrels birds lizards snakes and large insects but also fruits and vegetables. In Europe it feeds primarily on rodents but also consumes rabbits gamebirds reptiles amphibians fish crabs mollusks worms insects and fruits.
The red fox has a long history of association with humans having been extensively hunted as a pest and furbearer since the 17th century while also being represented in human folklore and mythology. Because of its widespread distribution and large population the red fox is one of the most important furbearing animals harvested for the wild fur trade. Over much of its range it is the most important predator of rabbits hares and rodents.
The red fox is usually considered a solitary creature but groups of up to 10 individuals (a family group) can be formed. The typical litter consists of 4-5 kits which are born blind and deaf and weigh around 200 g (7.1 oz) each. The gestation period is 51 days and the kits are weaned at 3-4 weeks of age. The red fox reached sexual maturity at 10-12 months of age.
The red fox has a wide geographical range encompassing nearly the entire Northern Hemisphere. In North America its range extends from Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West Indies. In Eurasia its range extends from Ireland and Great Britain in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east and as far south as North Africa the Caucasus and Central Asia.
The red fox is the most abundant and widespread fox species in the world with a population of approximately 10 million animals. The population is thought to be stable although there is some evidence of declining numbers in Europe.
How big is the average red fox?
The average red fox is about 2.
3 feet long and weighs about 10 pounds.
How much does the average red fox weigh?
The average red fox weighs about 10 pounds.
What is the average length of a red fox?
The average red fox is about 2.
3 feet long.
How long is a red fox?
A red fox can range in length from 2 feet to 3 feet.
How much does a red fox weigh?
A red fox can weigh anywhere from 8 to 15 pounds.
What is the red fox’s tail used for?
The red fox’s tail is used for balance and for signaling when the fox is running.
What does the red fox eat?
The red fox’s diet consists of small mammals birds reptiles insects and fruits.
Where does the red fox live?
The red fox can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
What is the red fox’s scientific name?
The red fox’s scientific name is Vulpes vulpes.
What is the red fox’s habitat?
The red fox’s habitat can include forests woodlands grasslands and deserts.
How many subspecies of red fox are there?
There are 37 subspecies of red fox.
What is the largest subspecies of red fox?
The largest subspecies of red fox is the Alaskan red fox.
How do red foxes communicate?
Red foxes communicate through a series of vocalizations including barks howls screams and whimpers.
What is the lifespan of a red fox?
The lifespan of a red fox is typically 3 to 6 years but can be up to 10 years in captivity.
What are the predators of the red fox?
The predators of the red fox include coyotes wolves bears and eagles.
