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Red fox

Red fox

The most widespread dog in Europe

In many fairy tales, the fox is portrayed as a cunning and calculating creature. In reality, however, it is simply very cautious and adaptable. In the past, people often persecuted it harshly due to its beautiful fur, with its long and bushy tail, its love for poultry, and concerns about rabies.

 

 

 

Source: Alain Audet, Pixabay

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Size
  • up to 90 cm in length (excluding tail), up to 50 cm in height  

Weight
  • up to 10 kg   

Diet
  • mice and other rodents, rabbits, frogs, berries, carrion, etc.   

Habitat
  • Europe, North America, North Africa, Asia; throughout Slovenia   
 

 
Kingdom
  • Animalia
Phylum
  • Chordata
Class
  • Mammalia
Order
  • Carnivora
Family

  • Canidae
Genus
  • Vulpes
Species
  • Vulpes vulpes

 

The fox is a solitary animal. It lives in forested areas, near human settlements, and even around large cities. It is very agile and fast. Mostly active at night, it hunts for prey. The red fox primarily preys on mice and other rodents, but due to its non-selective diet, it also consumes birds, fish, insects, even frogs and lizards, berries, and carrion. In the forest, foxes are very beneficial as they help remove sick and dead animals.

Source: Pixabay

The red fox hunts rodents with a characteristic fox leap. It jumps high into the air and grabs its prey with its front paws upon landing.

Source: Pixabay

The fox is territorial, defending its area and driving away other foxes. A single territory is inhabited by one group of foxes. Within their territory, they have several dens, which they usually do not dig themselves but take over from badgers.

Foxes mate in January and February with several males. One of them stays with her and helps her to raise 4 to 8 cubs, which she gives birth to after 52 days of gestation. The cubs become independent after about four months.

In Europe, the fox is the most widespread representative of the canine family.

It also inhabits parts of North America, North Africa and much of Asia. The yellowish red or reddish-brown fox can be found in forests all over Slovenia, from the coast to Prekmurje. Its natural enemies are the wolf, the lynx and the golden eagle. Unfortunately, the fox is also a rabies carrier and is often on the list for culling.

DID YOU KNOW?

  1. The back of a fox's ears are always black and the tip of its tail is white.
  2. In Great Britain, traditional fox hunting was a popular pastime among the wealthy for many years, but it is now banned there.
  3. The fox has an exceptionally good sense of smell and hearing. It can hear the squeaking of mice from a hundred metres away.
  4. At night, the fox's eyes glow red.