Foxes are small to medium-sized carnivorous mammals belonging to the Canidae family. The 12 recognized true fox species vary in size but most are slightly smaller than a medium-sized domestic dog. Foxes have a flattened skull pointed muzzles upright triangular ears and long legs. The tails of foxes are long and bushy and they have long furry toes.
Most foxes are nocturnal animals meaning they are more active at night than during the day. This is likely because their main prey species are also nocturnal. Foxes are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide variety of prey including small mammals birds reptiles frogs insects and even fruits and berries. The diet of a fox depends on the time of year and the availability of food. In the winter when prey is scarce foxes will eat more fruit and berries.
The main prey species of foxes include: rabbits voles mice rats and other small mammals. Foxes will also eat birds including chickens ducks and geese. In urban areas foxes will often eat garbage pet food and other human food scraps.
Foxes are predators and will kill and eat other animals. However they are not typically aggressive towards humans and will only attack people if they feel threatened.
Will a fox attack a human?
It is rare for a fox to attack a human.
They will however attack other animals.
What do red foxes eat?
Red foxes are mostly carnivores.
Their diet includes small mammals birds reptiles frogs and insects.
What is the largest prey a fox can take down?
The largest prey a fox can take down is usually a rabbit.
How do foxes hunt?
Foxes use their acute hearing to locate prey and then they pounce.
Do foxes cache their food?
Yes foxes will cache or store their food.
Where do foxes live?
Foxes live in a wide range of habitats including forests woodlands grasslands and even arctic tundras.
How many different species of foxes are there?
There are 12 different species of foxes.
What is the smallest species of fox?
The fennec fox is the smallest species of fox.
What is the largest species of fox?
The largest species of fox is the red fox.
How do foxes communicate?
Foxes communicate through a variety of vocalizations including barks growls whines and howls.
How long do foxes live?
The average lifespan of a fox is 3-6 years but some foxes have been known to live up to 13 years.
What are baby foxes called?
Baby foxes are called kits.
How many kits do foxes have?
Foxes usually have 2-5 kits.
How do foxes care for their kits?
Both the mother and father fox help care for the kits.
The mother will nurse them and keep them warm and the father will bring them food.
What is the primary threat to foxes?
The primary threat to foxes is humans.
We hunt them for their fur and we also destroy their habitat.
