They are wild animals, and usually become quite unmanageable as they mature, especially when they reach sexual maturity. The animals that became “domesticated” also developed physical changes like floppy ears, curled tails, and piebald colorations. After ten generations the foxes began to naturally show signs of friendliness towards humans. These foxes were selectively bred generation after generation for friendly and tame qualities. In 1959 a Russian geneticist conducted an experiment with “silver morph” red foxes raised at a fur farm. While red foxes are not a domesticated species, there has been a domestication project in place for foxes. Fox pelts are sold for over $65 per pelt at wholesale, and can make up nearly half of the wild-caught pelts sold out of the United States. Fox pelts are among the most commonly-harvested coat in the fur trade. While they were hunted as pets, and for sport, they are also hunted for their luxurious pelts. Many hunts were conducted with animals that were previously captured, and released specifically for the purpose of hunting down. They are widely viewed as pests by humans, and have been historically targeted in hunts.įox hunts were historically conducted with dogs, and humans rode horseback to capture and kill the foxes. Hunters also conflict with foxes, because they prey on game bird species. Because they are such skilled hunters, and will prey on just about anything they can catch, farmers don’t appreciate them very much. They will also munch on flowering plants, potatoes and other tubers, grass, and more. Some of their favorite fruits and seeds are apples, grapes, blueberries, plums, acorns, raspberries, and mulberries. These animals have also been known to eat quite a few species of grasses, fruits, and roots. They’ve also been known to capture small birds, reptiles, opossums, rabbits, porcupines, and even small deer. Their favorite prey is small mammals, and they will commonly eat mice, rats, voles, ground squirrels, woodchucks, gerbils, and gophers. They are generalist feeders, and will eat many different species of animals and plants.

Red foxes are omnivores, which means they will eat both animals and plants. Red foxes can be found from the Artic circle all the way to North Africa, Asia, and Central America. They are incredibly widespread, and the only areas they cannot be found in are Iceland, extreme deserts, some areas of Siberia, and the Arctic islands. Red foxes can be found across the entire northern hemisphere. Some common ecosystems that foxes frequent include forests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, and suburban developments. They can survive in a large number of different habitats, and can even be considered and urban animal. These sharpened, slicing molars are called “carnassial teeth.”įoxes are incredibly well-adapted. For larger meals, they use sharp molars to slice off more manageable chunks. Slice and Dice – Instead of chewing their food, foxes will swallow small prey items whole.Foxes will listen acutely for the sound of mice moving under the snow, and they will leap into the air and down through the snow to catch their meal. They leap up into the air, and bring their front paws down on the prey. Hop to It! – While hunting small rodents, foxes love to employ a high pounce.Not only are their tails soft and furry, but they are also extremely long! In fact, foxes’ tails can be up to 70% of their entire body length. A Fox’s Tale – Red foxes have luxuriously fluffy tails.They are very swift creatures, and can run up to 31 miles per hour! In addition to their speed, they can easily leap over a six-foot fence, and are even capable of swimming quite efficiently. Excellent Athletics – These a animals are incredible athletes.Despite their frequent conflicts with humans, these creatures are amazingly intelligent, and should be appreciated. They are notorious for finding their way into livestock pens and chicken coops. These foxes are known for being cunning and skilled predators.

Red fox running