Natural History of the Red Fox

Diet: small prey animals (rabbits, rodents, birds), insects, berries, human garbage

Habitat: pastures, forests, cropland, stream banks

Movement: no migration

Territory and range: 2 square miles

Conspecific interactions: family stays together as a group for 1 year until pups are full grown and leave

Interspecific interactions: hunt prey species, hunted by larger predators

Reproduction: breed in late fall and early winter, 5-10 babies (kits)

Care of babies: stay in den for 1 month, mom and dad both hunt to feed offspring

Behavior: hunt alone so they don't frighten prey, nocturnal (active at night), nervous and shy around people

Interesting facts:

• May vomit before trying to escape from danger so that they can run faster without carrying the weight of their food
• Will backtrack to hide from predators
• Can hop 6 feet vertically
• Will run through water to cover their scent while being chased
• Can run 30 miles per hour!