Although a member of the dog and wolf family, the red fox exhibits behavior that mimics those of a cat. That is why it is also known as the "cat-like" canine.

Originally an endemic species of North America, Eurasia and Northern Africa, the red fox (or Vulpes vulpes) can be found around the world in diverse habitats. The red fox is known for its exceptional cleverness, intelligence, cunning, and adaptability. Given these qualities, the animal has earned the name "the fox" in many places.

Habitat

The red fox has diverse habitats in a number of biomes around the world. It may be spotted in forests, grasslands, mountains, and deserts. The animal spends most of its hunting time in marshes and woodlands. Areas choked with weeds and grass are not a favorite spot for the red fox. Instead, it prefers open areas, especially the edges of forests or woodlands.

A red fox moving through a woodland, dappled sunlight on the forest floor
The red fox favors woodland edges, where open ground and tree cover overlap.

Appearance

Of all the species of true fox, the red fox is the largest. Although named for its color, the red fox is not always red. Gene mutations have produced varying color phases: reddish brown, gray, gray-brown, blackish-brown, silver, platinum, and amber. Sometimes a red fox can also have black fur with silver highlights.

A red fox in a snowy landscape, thick winter coat, bushy tail curled around its paws
In cold climates a red fox grows a thick winter coat, silver and black color phases are also seen in the wild.

Diet

The red fox is omnivorous, hunts alone, and lives on a flexible diet, which makes it a highly opportunistic feeder. Its prey may range from insects all the way up to cranes. Invertebrates such as insects, mollusks, earthworms, and crayfish form a major part of the animal's diet. Rodents, rabbits, birds, eggs, amphibians, small reptiles, small fish, and other small game also appear on this hunter's menu, and so do fruits like blackberries, apples, and plums, plus other vegetables.

A red fox eating, close up of its muzzle and sharp teeth
Red foxes are true omnivores, their flexible diet is one reason for their global success.

In some areas the fox can live solely on plant food in autumn. Living near human settlements, it has also learned to survive on garbage and pet food.

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5 quick questions. How much do you know about the world's wiliest canine?

Reproduction

Reproduction depends on where a red fox lives. In the southern regions, the breeding season runs from December to January. In the northern parts, mating season falls between February and April. For central populations, January to February is the ideal time for breeding.

Two red foxes together in a grassy field during mating season
A red fox pair. Breeding season timing varies by geographic region.
Baby fox kits huddled together at the entrance to a burrow
Young foxes are called kits. A litter typically contains four to six kits.

Remarkable Abilities

The red fox's bushy tail serves as a balancing tool. Its thick fur also keeps the animal warm in cold weather. The animal is reputed to be one of the major threats to poultry farming.

A red fox can easily jump over a fence 2 meters high. It is also capable of swimming. The fox is known to produce 28 different vocal sounds to communicate with its group members.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of the red fox?

Vulpes vulpes

How many sounds can a red fox make?

28 different vocal sounds

Is the red fox endangered?

No, the IUCN lists it as Least Concern and one of the world's 100 worst invasive species

What do you call a group of foxes?

A skulk

A red fox leaping over a stream in a green meadow, all four legs extended mid-air
Red foxes are powerful jumpers, they can clear a 2-meter fence with ease.

Adaptability

Moles may be the last thing a red fox would choose to eat, though it is known to eat almost anything edible. When food is plentiful, the red fox will partially bury the excess, covering it with soil, leaves, or grass and marking the spot with urine. This allows the animal to save food for later.

A red fox sniffing at the ground, hunting for buried food
Red foxes are clever hoarders, they bury surplus food and mark it with urine so they can find it again.

Group Life and Health

A group of foxes is known as a skulk, and a juvenile is known as a kit. Given the high population of the red fox, its fur has made it popular in the fur trade. Sarcoptic mange is a contagious skin disease the red fox is prone to. It is caused by parasitic mites that embed themselves into the hair follicles or skin of the animal.

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A red fox in the wild, alert posture, full body visible in grassland
Red foxes are highly territorial. A skulk is usually a family group, a mated pair and their young.

Conservation Status

On the conservation front, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) puts the red fox in the list of Least Concern for extinction. In fact, it lists the animal among the world's 100 worst invasive species. Way to go, red fox!