If you’re lucky enough to glimpse a fox in the wild you’ll be able to appreciate its beautiful reddish brown fur white chest and belly and black legs. But what do foxes look like up close? Here’s a detailed description along with some interesting facts about these wily creatures.
The typical adult fox is about the size of a large domestic cat with a slim build pointy ears and a long bushy tail. Its fur is reddish brown in color with a white chest and belly. The legs are black and the feet are covered in furry white socks. The muzzle is black with a white ‘tear stripe’ running from the corner of the eye to the side of the mouth.
Foxes are members of the Canidae family which includes dogs wolves and jackals. They are most closely related to dogs as evidenced by their DNA. In fact foxes can interbreed with some dog breeds such as coyotes producing a ‘coydog’ hybrid.
Foxes are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere in a wide variety of habitats including forests grasslands mountains and deserts. They are extremely adaptable creatures and have even made their way into urban areas.
Despite their cunning reputation foxes are relatively shy around humans and generally pose no threat. In fact they are often considered to be beneficial as they help to keep populations of rodents and other small mammals in check.
So there you have it! A closer look at the physical appearance of foxes as well as some interesting facts about these fascinating creatures.
What does a fox look like?
A fox typically has a reddish brown coat white chest and belly black feet and a bushy tail with a white tip.
Where do foxes live?
Foxes can be found in North and South America Europe Asia and Africa.
What do foxes eat?
Foxes are mostly carnivores and eat small mammals birds reptiles frogs and insects.
How big are foxes?
The largest fox species is the fennec fox which can grow up to nine pounds.
The smallest species is the kit fox which only weighs two to four pounds.
How long do foxes live?
captive foxes have been known to live up to 16 years but in the wild they only live around three to six years.
What is a baby fox called?
A baby fox is called a kit.
Do foxes make good pets?
While foxes are sometimes kept as pets it is generally not a good idea because they can be destructive and their diet is difficult to cater to.
How can you tell a male fox from a female fox?
The easiest way to tell a male fox from a female is by looking at their tails.
Male foxes have thicker bushier tails than females.
What is a group of foxes called?
A group of foxes is called a skulk leash or earth.
What predators do foxes have?
The main predators of foxes are coyotes wolves lynxes and eagles.
What do foxes use their tails for?
Foxes use their tails for balance while running as well as to communicate with other foxes.
Are foxes nocturnal animals?
Foxes are mostly nocturnal animals although there are some species that are active during the day.
Do all foxes have black feet?
No not all foxes have black feet.
Some foxes such as the red fox have white-tipped tails.
How many species of foxes are there?
There are around 37 different species of foxes.
What is the scientific name for foxes?
The scientific name for foxes is Vulpes.
