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.types of foxes.
it's a red fox! ^^ Dunno where this piccie came from... Little do they know, not every fox looks like that. That's simply the most common kind, the red fox. There are about 21 species worldwide, according to Ozfoxes.com,--13 in the northern hemisphere, 7 in South America, and 1 in Africa (the Bat-eared fox.) Here are some of the most-known North American foxes... RED FOX - Vulpes vulpes - Ah yes, the most common fox...versatile and adaptable. They tend to weigh up to 6 kg and can be up to 112 cm long. Their coloring can be red, brown, silverish or black with white and black markings. (observe picture.) Red foxes are described as cunning and there is some truth to it. Primarily Reds prey on small mammals but they also supplement their diet with plants. They will eat almost anything: fish, birds, seals, garbage. Red foxes mate for life, though two males may court one female. Average litter size is about five. Cub mortality rate is high. They are fairly common, and dwell in forests throughout North America. Unfortunately, red foxes are sometimes slaughtered for their beautiful auburn coats. KIT FOX - Vulpes macrotis- This is a fox closely associated with the Swift fox. It is usually buff or beige in color, and dwells primarily throughout Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and in parts of California. Like most foxes, it is nocturnal and monogamous and can range from 18-34 cm at the shoulder. SWIFT FOX -Vulpes Velox- A Canada-dwelling fox found throughout North America. This fox is an extremely fast runner and can travel more than 60 mph (hence the name.). It is colored red, grey and white, and is about 80 cm long. Swift foxes prey on mice, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians, road kill and whatever else is available.
GREY FOX -Urocyon cinercoargenteus- (also known as the TREE FOX because it can climb trees) The Grey fox can weigh between 2 and 6 lbs and can be up to 70 cm long. They are primarily colored (surprise) grey except for their feet and underbelly which are white. Dwelling throughout the southern US and Mexico, they feed on birds, plants, insects, and small mammals. (Grey (tree fox) piccie taken from Corel Clip art. ^^)
ARCTIC FOX -Alopex lagopus- a fox that, well, lives in the cold places. Particularly Northern Canada. it is a strange fox because in the summer time, its coat will be brownish/blackish with hints of white. In the winter time, in order to blend in with the constant snow, its coat turns white. (see picture below.) So, yeah. There are other, less known breeds of Fox besides these, such as PALE FOXES, "BLUE" FOXES (actually an ARCTIC fox whose coat turns grey in winter.) It can be up to 115 cm in length.
An artic fox in a winter coat from Corel clip art ^^ The Fennec is the only fox found in Africa. FENNEC FOX -Fennecus zerda- This is a desert living fox that is distinguishable by its large, bat-like ears, small body and flat face. They only grow to be about 2 to 3 lbs. Found in Africa and Arabia where it burrows into deep holes to withstand the intense heat. Is omnivorous; eating fruit, insects, reptiles, rodents and plants. Its color is most commonly light browns and beiges. This fox has hairy, padded feet which enable it to run on hot surfaces and loose sand. Females give birth in late spring to early winter, usually about one to five kits per litter. Though the Fennec is the smallest wild canine, it has great speed and agility. It can jump up to four feet in the air (Pbs.org). Also, unlike red foxes, fennecs sometimes live in family groups: with up to ten other fennecs.
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