Species of the Week: Red Fox

Species of the Week:
Red Fox(Vulpes vulpes)

1. It is the largest species of foxes.
2. It can be found everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere.
3. Due to human expansion the red fox has now been introduced in places such as Australia.
4. Northern foxes tend to be larger and more brightly colored than subspecies living in southern areas.
5. There are a variety of fur mutations in red foxes meaning that not all red foxes will have the characteristic red fur.(See picture below)
6. Red foxes reproduced in spring and only reproduce once a year.
7. The litter will range from four to six kits.
8. Red foxes live around 5-7 years in the wild but in captivity have been recorded to live up to 15 years.
9. Red foxes are omnivores with a diet and behavior that depends on season and location. They can actively hunt but also scavenge for food and will eat just about anything.
10. Red fox family groups tend to share joint territories depending on food availability.