Colors of foxes. Types of foxes (foxes) Common fox description

As children, we all listened to fairy tales about an unusually smart and cunning animal. The fox is indeed distinguished by its resourcefulness and natural ingenuity, which allows it to quickly find prey and hide from its pursuers. Famous owners of fluffy tails have been able to settle in almost any natural area. The fox is a common predator of forests, steppes, mountains and deserts. It would seem that everyone knows everything about this mammal. However, starting our story, we see that our description of the fox is quite stereotypical and is based on a folklore image. Even this world-famous beast has its secrets.

Fox classification

Fox is the common name of a genus from the wolf subfamily, which unites 11 species. Its structure is sometimes disputed by adding or excluding certain species. For example, they are classified in this genus because of the similarity in appearance of the Arctic fox. Until now, many zoologists cannot decide which family the polar fox belongs to. While this beast occupies a position outside of a certain clan. The following species are considered true foxes:

• common fox;
• Afghan fox;
• Bengal fox;
• American fox;
• American corsac;
• African fox;
• corsac;
• South African fox;
• sand fox;
• fennec;
• Tibetan fox.

The closest relatives of foxes are the following genera:

• arctic foxes (arctic fox);
• maikongi (maikong or savannah fox);
• bat-eared foxes (big-eared fox);
• gray foxes (island and gray foxes);
• small foxes (small fox);
• South American foxes (Securan, Paraguayan, Andean, Brazilian, Darwin and South American foxes);

Despite the amazing external resemblance, maned wolf not related to foxes. This unusual animal is a relict species that managed to survive the extinction of most of its former society.

Where does the fox live? Habitat

Nature has rewarded foxes with the ability to adapt to a wide variety of natural conditions. These mammals were able to confidently spread to almost all continents, with the exception of South America and the harsh Antarctica. The habitat chosen by different types of foxes includes:

• North America, as well as some islands near the mainland (American corsac, arctic fox, red fox, island, gray fox);
• South America (Maikong, Securan, Brazilian, Paraguayan, Darwin, South American, Little and Andean foxes);
• the entire territory of Eurasia (Arctic fox, corsac fox, common fox, Tibetan fox, sand fox, Bengal fox (from India), Afghan (Bukhara) fox);
• the coast of Africa and the Nile Valley (fennec fox, red fox, big-eared fox, South African fox, African sand fox);
• Southern Australia (red fox).

The wide coverage of territories explains the great diversity of species of these mammals and the huge number of adaptations for survival.

Many people mistakenly believe that all types of foxes live exclusively in European and Siberian forests. Only a few species of these animals settled there. Foxes are sedentary animals and try to choose a suitable place to live. They carefully examine the corner they like, remembering the location of ravines, holes, rivers and hills in order to profitably use them for shelters. The red fox hides well from its enemies, confusing and covering its tracks, suddenly disappearing right in front of its enemy's nose. For such extraordinary ingenuity, the talented strategist received the title of cunning and intelligent beast.

In the dry steppes of Asia, in hilly areas with low vegetation, you can find deep holes left by badgers and other animals that the cunning predator. The steppe fox does not like when its peace is disturbed, so it fiercely guards its temporary possessions. Due to the arid climate, these animals have to constantly migrate. The steppe fox, or corsac, travels from the Volga delta and the Caucasus to the mountains Western Siberia. Very rarely they move away from their usual anchorage. Sometimes these cunning animals also enter the forest-steppe, where the common fox gives them tough competition, often capturing prey from a smaller relative.

Mountain foxes

Mountain foxes are inhabitants of harsh rocks. Their diet and lifestyle depend on the altitude of their “living zone”. For example, the Crimean mountain fox builds abandoned burrows, holes in rocks and stones, caves and even tree hollows. This diversity is due to the fact that the Tauride Mountains, covered with forest, are quite low with a warm climate. The Tibetan fox lives on the high Tibetan plateau and is sometimes found in areas north of the Himalayas. These animals dig their own homes and lead an extremely secretive lifestyle. Scientists still don’t know exactly how long highland foxes live and what they eat.

In semi-deserts and deserts the conditions are truly extreme! All inhabitants of this dry and hot area will need to collect all the devices that nature has given them in order to survive. The sandy area without a single hint of vegetation and coolness does not allow the spread of large herbivores and rodents. That is why only a miniature eared fox, for example, can live here. These animals settle near small dry bushes or in a tiny clearing of sparse grass where they make burrows. In their shelters they wait for the night. What the fennec fox eats lives right next to the mink. The animal pulls roots out of the sand and hunts small rodents, reptiles and insects.

In the far north, in the land of eternal snow, furry cunning creatures also live. The polar fox even inhabited the territory on the islands in the North Arctic Ocean. The usual natural areas for arctic foxes are tundra and forest-tundra. The polar fox settles in hilly areas where shelter and food can be easily found. Arctic foxes are distributed from Alaska to Chukotka. These animals thrive in icy Greenland and on other islands abandoned in cold waters. As the weather gets colder, Arctic foxes move south, temporarily settling in new places.

Foxes are incredibly beautiful animals to which songs, poems, fables and even paintings have been dedicated. Depending on their habitat, these predators acquire unusual, compared to familiar forest beauties, appearance features.

The fox got its poetic name for its coat painted in gold. The Slavs always observed the inhabitants of the forest, noticing any distinctive details of appearance, behavior or even voice. Translated from Old Church Slavonic, “fox” meant “yellowish.” That’s why cheerful red mushrooms are called “chanterelles.”

There is another version of the interpretation of the word. A number of etymologists believe that “fox” is derived from the Slavic “lis” (wife, spouse). This theory is also explained in different ways: some explain that some species of these predators create monogamous pairs and raise cubs together, others suggest that this is what cunning wives were called. There is a third assumption. The word "fox" comes from the Polish "liszka" (dashing). Thus, the mischievous nature of the animal is noticed.

All foxes have furry a long tail, which not only decorates the animal, but also serves as a useful device for survival. It allows you to develop greater speed when running, being a special pole for balance. The tail also serves as an effective rudder. When a predator (for example, a dog) is chasing a red-haired rogue and is about to grab it, the fluffy train turns sharply at a right angle and the animal instantly turns to the side. The pursuer rushes on in bewilderment.

Many have probably wondered: “Why do foxes have a white tip of their tail?” The answer is quite simple. A fox in the forest must constantly monitor its cubs. In order not to lose sight of the little ones among the foliage, a white beacon was created, which every little one cheerfully raises for mom.

The fox stores some in its tail nutrients"for a rainy day". This fluffy tool also serves as a blanket for the animal. In cold weather, the fox covers its nose or cubs with its tail. Animals can even communicate using this body part! When raised, it shows the strength of the beast and its readiness to defend territory and prey.

Did you know that a fox's tail smells like violets? Right at its base there is a fairly large gland that produces the aroma of flowers. This is the perfect camouflage device! When escaping from pursuit, a fox in the forest covers its tracks and hides its scent.

How much does a fox weigh?

Depending on the species, foxes can reach lengths from 40 cm to 90 cm. The length of the tail of an adult individual ranges from 20 to 60 cm. And the weight is from 1.5 to 14 kg.

The eyes of a fox are one of the animal's main weapons when hunting. Vision is tuned to moving objects, which allows you to instantly notice potential prey. Even a butterfly flying past will not be able to hide from a clever predator. Also, all types of foxes are perfectly oriented in the dark, since it is at night that animals go hunting. Not a single bird sleeping peacefully on the ground or in the thickets will go unnoticed.

Foxes have excellent visual memory. This allows predators to remember places of refuge and paths. This ability is very important for survival in harsh conditions wildlife.

The condition of an animal’s fur coat must be acceptable for normal existence in a certain area. All types of foxes are carefully prepared for the environmental conditions in which they will live.

In summer, the coat color of these predators is camouflage. Neither you nor the small animals will notice the approach of the fox. In the north, arctic foxes are dressed in white fur that blends with the snow. In the mountains, where rocks and poor soil combine, foxes camouflage themselves in spotted (gray with ocher) coats. Residents of dry deserts naturally received yellow or light ocher fur. In the forest, the common fox with its dull red robe hides well against the background of branches, earth and fallen leaves.

Until now, scientists have not figured out why the fur of these predators does not adapt in color to other seasons. The fact is that many types of foxes become brighter with the onset of winter. Red, brown and black animals stand out against the background white snow, which, oddly enough, does not affect the efficiency of hunting.

However, depending on the temperature, the structure of the fox's coat changes. The animal adapts to nature. In summer, the fox's fur is sparse, dull, without undercoat, and lies tightly to the body. This makes it much easier to keep your body cool. In winter, after seasonal molting, foxes dress in thick clothes. The thick undercoat prevents heat from escaping and keeps you warm, like a down jacket. The upper fibers are impregnated with a special secretion that prevents the predator from getting wet (foxes often fall asleep in the snow).

All foxes are natural hunters. These animals easily get food wherever they live. What a fox eats depends on the area in which it lives, the time of year and the type of animal. It is also worth paying attention to the age of the predator: young animals are afraid to attack large prey.

A small sand fox in deserts and semi-deserts can easily smell edible roots, hear the movements of lizards, tasty beetles and their larvae, scorpions under the ground, and skillfully attack a gaping rodent. The animal obtains moisture directly from its meager diet.

There is not much suitable food in the north. However, the polar fox was able to adapt to the harsh nature. The animal’s diet includes more than a hundred species of animals and almost 30 species of plants: algae, blueberries, herbs and cloudberries! Everything that the fox can find, she will immediately eat or hide. The polar fox's diet consists of many species of small rodents (for example, lemmings) and birds common in the taiga. Sometimes arctic foxes catch or find fish on the shore and overwhelm stray reindeer calves. Polar foxes do not mind carrion, so they form the retinue of the polar bear, which is often shared with small predator part of a seal carcass.

Almost everyone knows what the common fox eats. The favorite delicacy of this predator are small mice, which winter time become the main source of food. The common fox also eats hares, but hunting them requires a lot of energy. The predator often raids the homes of these animals, eating the cubs. A cunning fox will not refuse to climb into the nest of some bird to feast on eggs and chicks. The animal will also enjoy eating berries, fruits and herbs.

Contrary to popular belief, foxes rarely attack chickens and other poultry. The animal decides to do such an act only in a critical situation, when it is difficult to get food in the forest. The predator often spoils cereal crops, which it eats in an unripe state.

Steppe foxes hunt a wide variety of lizards, snakes and turtles. They will not refuse to eat a toad or a frog. Corsac foxes are excellent at catching rodents (their favorite foods are gophers, jerboas, voles), hares and birds. Sometimes this predator attacks a baby saiga. This happens extremely rarely: the corsac fox is a rather cowardly animal.

In the mountains, it is difficult for the severe Tibetan fox to obtain food. Finding anything edible on the rocks is already a difficult task. The basis of the diet of a skilled predator is dexterous rodents, pikas. The fox runs after them along the cliffs, driving them into traps, or waits at their shelters. But that's not all the fox eats. The beast catches mountain hares and birds, climbs into nests and destroys them, feasts on insects and reptiles. When a cunning animal finds berries suitable for food, it will eat them with pleasure. The Tibetan fox does not mind eating carrion.

What a fox eats also determines seasonality. For example, during salmon spawning, many predators stop hunting. There is enough dying fish to last everyone for several months.

Fox sounds

Everyone is interested in the sound foxes make when communicating. If you watch these animals, you will be pleasantly amazed at how rich their supply of signals is. Every fox sound is reserved for special occasions and situations. Different species have their own voice timbre and language.

The common fox is unusually talkative. The mother constantly communicates with her cubs using a kind of loud purring, interested in their well-being. If any fox cub moves too far or gets carried away with a dangerous activity, the mother will shout out to the unlucky baby with a loud yelp. Sometimes these cunning animals talk to their friends, snorting slightly. A warning of danger will be a heart-rending short cry, reminiscent of a loud “car”.

They live in families and do not like to communicate with other brothers. In general, these mini predators have quite bad character, therefore the appearance of a stranger in their domain is accompanied by nervous, offended chirping and hissing. With friends, little foxes can howl, whine and bark!

Large foxes that live in harsh conditions, such as corsacs, “talk” in a very low voice. These predators live alone and occasionally exchange growls and guttural sounds.

Fox breeding

Female foxes reach sexual maturity at two years of age. Smaller species - much earlier, by 9-12 months. On average, an animal can have offspring for up to 6-7 years. For males, everything is arranged somewhat differently. They mature by the age of one year. It is young foxes who are especially willing to participate in matchmaking.

Time mating games distributed differently in each fox species, depending on certain factors of the habitat ( weather, enemies, landscape, amount of food). Animals calculate the time so that the babies appear during the warm period, when there is plenty of food. As a rule, foxes breed in the middle or end of winter.

Foxes are very smart animals. If animals see and feel that their future family may be in danger (lack of food, emergencies, epidemic, cold snap), they postpone the breeding period for 2-3 months.

In the bitter cold, foxes begin their beautiful matchmaking ritual. Males sing a long song to attract a bride. Sometimes several suitors start fights for the lady they like, who stands on the sidelines throughout the fight and watches what is happening. Having waited for the winner, the female approaches her hero. A pair of foxes folds up. For a long time, these two will frolic: roll in the snow, play tag, “dance” while standing on their hind legs, playfully bite each other’s ears and jostle merrily. Then the foxes go into one of the holes.

Monogamy is a common trait for many species of these predators. The fox often chooses a partner for life. It is very important for animals to stick together. In a difficult situation, such life saves the family. Corsacs, fennec foxes, Bengal and Indian foxes are loyal to their mates. They take turns hunting and cleaning holes. But the red fox enters into temporary marriages (they last no more than a year and a half).

Pregnancy in these animals lasts 48-60 days, depending on the size of the animal and its habitat. The number of cubs in a litter is directly related to the amount of food. In times of famine the fox does not start big family. Cubs are born one or two at a time. Many brides never find grooms. And in prosperous years, each fox gives birth to from four to sixteen blind, deaf and toothless puppies.

Types of foxes

Foxes are distributed throughout the globe. The organisms of these animals are ideally adapted to various natural zones. Let's consider the most interesting views foxes

Arctic foxes rightfully bear the title of polar explorers. These snow-white foxes live both in the taiga and far beyond the Arctic Circle. Mischievous animals are able to withstand very low temperatures thanks to their thick fur with a dense waterproof undercoat. In such suitable clothes you will not freeze, and you will be well camouflaged in the white snow! Snowshoe paws save the Arctic fox. The beast does not fall through when running in the snow.

Arctic foxes have perfectly adapted to the cold. They easily tolerate frost of -50 degrees. The rounded body shape minimizes heat loss. Scientists have found that the polar fox begins to tremble only when the temperature reaches -70 degrees!

The Arctic fox is a typical predator of the tundra, subarctic and arctic natural zones. In summer, these animals live sedentary, occupying old burrows, and in winter they go wandering. Arctic foxes often accompany polar bears, who share part of the prey with them. During migration, northern animals go far beyond the Arctic Circle. Sometimes the arctic fox travels 4,500 kilometers in a few months! It's amazing that animals easily find their way home.

There are two subspecies of the Arctic fox: white and blue. It all depends on the color of the coat. The fur coat of polar foxes is ideal for camouflage. In winter these animals are white, and in summer they are black or brown.

In places where snow alternates with earth, arctic foxes are found with a spotted color that perfectly camouflages the predator.

Arctic foxes feed on various small rodents (for example, lemmings), fish, birds, eggs, and seal carcasses. Arctic foxes have the most developed hearing and vision compared to other canids. The animal can hear the movement of a lemming under the snow several kilometers away.

Arctic foxes live in families, which include a pair with small cubs and a previous litter.

The polar fox takes root well at home. If you raise them from childhood, their behavior will resemble cats and dogs.

In the dry desert there is a cute mini predator. The fox is considered the tiniest representative of the canids. Its dimensions are no more than 40 centimeters in length (with a tail - up to 80 centimeters).

The hardy animal got its due unusual name from colloquial Arabic word"fanak" which means fox. Fennecs live in northern Africa in desert and semi-desert zones. The dwarf fox has adapted perfectly to these conditions. Thick fur grows on the pads of fennec's paws, allowing them to walk calmly on the scorching sand. Large, outstretched ears are not only able to hear the slightest rustle of prey in the sand (small vertebrates and insects), but also increase blood circulation in the body, which allows it to cool down.

They live in families in deep underground burrows that they build themselves. The number of one clan rarely exceeds 10 individuals. Males fiercely defend their territory from strangers.

Tibetan foxes are also medium-sized animals (body size without a tail is 60 centimeters, with a tail – up to 130 centimeters). They live on inaccessible rocks of Tibet and the Himalayas, where they dig holes or find suitable cavities under stones.

Foxes hunt in pairs. Each spouse shares his spoils. Tibetan foxes feed on pikas and other rodents, hares, birds, reptiles, insects and berries.

Tibetan foxes don't mind their neighbors. Many pairs live and hunt in the same territory.

Big-eared foxes live on the southeast coast of Africa in the savannas. They thrive in hot climates. Outwardly, these small animals look just like an ordinary fox, only with very large ears.

When searching for food, predators rely on their keen hearing. The eared fox often accompanies herds of antelope, where it finds scarabs and other tasty insects.

The animals are monogamous, but sometimes form triads (one male and two females). Each family member hunts alone. Animals settle in dug holes and ruined termite mounds.

The red-haired beauty, familiar to everyone, settled throughout Eurasia, North America, Australia and some areas of Africa. Such a wide distribution causes many variations in color and size of the predator. Among the fiery red brothers there is even a black fox (silver fox).

The color variability of these animals is greatly appreciated by people. A fox at home acquires a more saturated shade of fur.

Foxes hunt alone. Their prey includes small and medium-sized rodents, hares, birds, lizards, frogs, snakes, turtles, fish and insects. In winter, food becomes significantly less. The common fox uses all its skills to catch agile rodents under the snow. This method is called "mousing".

Enemies of foxes in the wild

Since ancient times, foxes have been known as cunning and cautious animals. They had such qualities for a reason. Foxes have many enemies from which they need to somehow escape.

Some animals deliberately attack tailed animals. Among the enemies of foxes:

Eagle owls, crows and hawks also attack the cubs of red predators.

Recently, keeping foxes at home has been pet became possible. Many people were able to fulfill their childhood dream and make an unusual friend.

Taming of cunning animals began in 1959. Enterprising breeders bred different breeds fox However, wild instincts are not so easy to bring out. If you want to have a cute pet fox, you need to be on your guard. Without training, an animal can harm humans, other pets and interior items.

A fox at home is a fairly friendly animal. He will be happy to play with you and other pets. This predator is very easy to train. You can teach him a funny trick.

When choosing an exotic pet, it is worth considering what lifestyle the animal is accustomed to. For example, the popular decorative fox, fennec fox is active at night. Sometimes such details can make a person's life difficult.

Do not forget that a fox at home needs some care. The animal can sleep in a spacious enclosure or on a large bedding. The animal needs to be brushed and bathed regularly. Foxes should be taken for walks on a leash.

The Canadian marble fox is considered one of the most popular pets. A beautiful black, gray and white fur coat attracts the eye and literally makes you fall in love.

Decorative fox

– a very active and nimble animal. His cute appearance attracts glances: it’s impossible not to fall in love with his big ears and black beady eyes!

The size of the animal is very modest: with a body length of about 40 centimeters, the animal weighs 1.5-2 kilograms. Fennecs are distinguished by their cunning and slightly capricious character, although they get along well with humans and cats. mutual language. They don’t mind playing with their friends (for example, hide and seek or tag).

Ornamental chanterelles are very difficult to tolerate temperature changes (especially cold snaps). Fennecs feel comfortable in well-heated rooms.

Mini foxes need to be combed regularly. Use soft bristle brushes or small fine-toothed combs for this procedure. Fennec himself really likes this type of fur care.

You can use a litter box for desert foxes as a litter box. Fennecs are very smart, so they quickly understand what this item is for.

What to feed a fox at home?

The fox is an exotic pet, so you won’t be able to buy special food in the store. It is worth trying to include in your animal’s food what it eats in the wild.

These furry cunning creatures adapt well to the new diet, as they are almost omnivorous. The basis of a chanterelle's diet should be processed meat (boiled or steamed). The animal's diet can include fruits, vegetables, berries, insects, and raw eggs. It is very important to supplement the animal’s menu with meat by-products: soft cartilage, trachea, bird spleen, offal, liver, beef tripe, heart. Do not feed your chanterelle bones or raw, unpeeled fish - this can lead to digestive problems.

These animals are canines, so if it is not possible to feed them natural food, you can switch to universal dog food. With this option, it is still necessary to occasionally reinforce the predator’s body with vegetables, meat and protein.

How long does a fox live?

The lifespan of foxes is almost the same as that of wild dogs and wolves. The natural conditions in their habitat are quite harsh, so not all animals manage to reach adulthood.

In nature, how long a fox lives determines the amount of food, the presence of epidemics, and the number of enemies in the territory. In the wild, the animal rarely reaches the age of six. Average duration The life of a predator is 2–5 years. The animal constantly spends energy searching for prey and surviving.

However, a fox at home or in a zoo remains in excellent health for twenty years! Even at a respectful age, these animals remained cheerful and playful.

How long foxes live in captivity is also determined by the fact that any disease can be cured. Wild predators often die from various ailments.

• All foxes are wonderful parents. Unlike many predators, both father and mother are equally involved in raising, protecting and feeding the young. Foxes look after their pregnant wives by biting their fleas, licking them, and bringing food to their shelter. Parents together teach their kids to hunt small prey: lizards, insects, birds.
• Amazing fox tail for its interesting shape was popularly called a trumpet. Many people were touched by how these little predators proudly raised their useful tool. It was from the humorous name that the expression “pipe tail” came from.
• You all probably know about the fearless hero Zorro. Defender of the weak, a noble robber, whose face is hidden by a black mask, has become the idol of many people. Translated from Spanish, “zorro” means “fox”. Perhaps it was precisely for the dexterity and ingenuity of the red predators that this hero received such a name.
• The fox is a frequent guest of mythologies and folklore. different nations. In Japan, due to its cunning, this animal is considered the personification of confusion and pranks. Sudden downpour in the middle sunny day residents eastern country nicknamed "fox rain". The Japanese often identify strange phenomena with the antics of fluffy tails. Will-o'-the-wisps in swamps are also called "fox lights". It is believed that the beast plays tricks on travelers, trying to scare them.
• The common fox is the owner gorgeous ponytail, the main decoration of which is the bright white tip. And he appears immediately. Newborn puppies, which do not yet have teeth and their eyes are not open, already have a light triangle. There is a legend that once upon a time foxes had completely red tails, and when running they did not rise, but dragged along the ground. Over time, the color on the tip has worn off. The common fox, in order not to spoil its fur coat, began to raise its tail. Now the white tip is inherited by all foxes.

The polar fox occupies homes that have belonged to many generations of animals. The age of such burrows can exceed 150 years, the number of passages can be more than a hundred, and the area of ​​underground labyrinths can be several square kilometers!

Winter is a harsh time of year. The ground is covered with a blanket of snow, which creates additional difficulties for predators living in the forest. In summer you can diversify your diet plant foods. In winter there is no such opportunity. Getting anything out of the snow is incredibly difficult, if not impossible. As for the fox, its winter diet does not change much. It also contains rodents, birds, and small animals.

The fox manages to get the same rodents right out from under the snow. She can hear their squeak at a distance of up to 250 meters. Her hearing is excellent. She hears the same black grouse jumping from branch to branch, being up to a kilometer away from him. So finding a cluster of mice under the snow is not particularly difficult for her.

The fox is an incredibly skilled hunter. She moves quietly across the snow field, carefully listening to the sounds coming from under the snow. Hearing a squeak, she freezes and determines its source and location. This is followed by a jump, diving into the snow, and catching a rodent. Such a hunt is almost always successful. A fox emerges from the snow with a rodent in its teeth. She is helped by her extraordinary dexterity, speed and sensitivity. Although, in fairness, it should be noted that mice also have excellent hearing. They hear everything that happens from above. And if the fox is careless, then its hunt will be unsuccessful. The mouse will simply escape from it, using the emergency passage dug under the snow.

However, the fox can be hampered not only by its personal carelessness, but also by a too thick layer of snow. In this case, her mowing is unlikely to be successful. When the snow is more than forty centimeters thick, foxes live from hand to mouth. You can dig up the snow with your paws, but in this case the mice will run away from this place using underground passages. We have to look for carrion, although it is difficult to find.

In spring the situation is no better. The snow is covered with a thick ice crust, and you can no longer dive headfirst into it. And you won’t be able to walk on such flooring silently. I have to switch from mouseing to catching hares. The best option is to find fragile rabbits that cannot run fast and will become easy prey for a predator.

To catch up with a running hare, the fox uses not only its legs, but also its tail. In this case, it plays the role of a stabilizer, repeating all the movements of the prey and allowing the predator to maneuver.

If there are no hares, then you can catch a bird. We have already talked about the fact that a fox can hear a black grouse at a great distance. If a bird spends the night not in a tree, but in a snowdrift, then it becomes easy prey for a predator. The main thing is to get as close to the victim as possible while remaining unnoticed.

After the bird is caught and hunger is satisfied, you can think about the stock. Everything that has not been eaten is hidden in a secluded place. In difficult times of hunger, a predator can always return here and satisfy his hunger. A fox can have quite a few such hiding places. Surprisingly, she always remembers their location and never forgets. She can hide poultry, rodents, chickens and ducks in hiding places. And it does this starting in late autumn. Thanks to frosty weather, such stocks are perfectly stored and do not spoil.

Fox: description, structure, characteristics. What does a fox look like?

Fox - carnivorous mammal, belongs to the canine family, that is, it is a distant relative of both the wolf and the domestic dog.

The size of a fox depends on its species and varies from 18 cm (for the smallest fox - fennec fox) to 90 cm. The weight of the fox also varies - from 0.7 to 10 kg. All foxes are distinguished by a special generic characteristic - an elongated muzzle, an elongated body, but with short limbs.

And every decent fox has a fluffy tail. This fluffy fox tail was not only created for beauty by nature, but also serves practical purposes: it acts as a stabilizer during running, and in the winter cold it can additionally warm its owner. The length of a fox's tail depends on its species, on average it is 40-60 cm.

The fox's hearing and sense of smell are well developed; these animals primarily rely on them during the hunt. As for vision, it is also well developed, moreover, it is adapted for a nocturnal lifestyle and allows you to see well in the dark. But the only drawback of a fox's vision is that it is not able to recognize colors. A fox has 42 teeth in its mouth, with the exception of the big-eared fox, which has as many as 48 teeth.

The fox's body is covered with red hair, the thickness of this hair depends on the type of fox and its habitat, and can also vary depending on the time of year. So, for example, in foxes living in harsh northern conditions, the fur becomes thick and lush in the winter, but in the summer the lushness of the fox’s fur decreases.

Where does the fox live?

Foxes live across a wide geographic range and can be found in the forests of Europe, Asia, North America, North Africa and even Australia. Foxes also live in our Ukrainian forests. Foxes often hide from human eyes in holes that they either dig themselves or do not hesitate to take them from other animals. They can also be found in caves and even large tree hollows.

What does a fox eat in the wild?

What does a fox eat in his forest? As we already wrote above, the fox - beast of prey and various smaller living creatures serve as food for it - various rodents (field mice, gophers), hares, birds nesting on the ground. The fox does not disdain carrion, as well as leftovers from other predators (wolves, bears), especially if this happens in winter, when catching fresh animals is more problematic.

Foxes living in steppe regions can also eat various large insects (beetles, termites, locusts) and frogs as food. If there is a river nearby, then the fox will not miss the opportunity to feast on fish. In the summer, the foxes' menu is varied with various fruits, berries, fruits, since, like bears, foxes are omnivores.

Interesting fact: while hunting, a fox can reach speeds of up to 50 km per hour.

Fox lifestyle

Foxes are usually nocturnal, hiding in their burrows during the day and going out to hunt at night. This is facilitated by the peculiarity of their vision, which allows them to see perfectly at night.

Foxes, as a rule, live alone, sometimes in groups of two or three, and have their own territory, which they mark with their excrement.

How long does a fox live?

Lifespan of a fox natural conditions on average, it ranges from 3 to 10 years, although in the zoo a fox can live up to 25 years. This difference is due to the fact that older foxes cannot hunt as successfully in natural conditions.

Fox's enemies

In nature, the fox does not have many enemies; some danger may come from the same wolves and bears, but only if the fox inadvertently encroaches on their prey. And so, the most important enemy of the fox (like many other animals) is the most dangerous predator- Human. Many foxes were exterminated by hunters and poachers for their fluffy fur, which is subsequently used for fur coats.

Why is the fox cunning

Why is the fox called cunning? Some believe that this bad reputation is due to the hunting habits of these animals. The fact is that the fox always sneaks up on its prey very cunningly, it can patiently watch for hours in ambush near a hare’s hole, and when potential prey appears in sight, it also very deftly and lightning quickly grabs it with its teeth.

In addition, foxes are excellent at confusing their tracks and evading pursuit by abruptly changing the direction of movement; probably thanks to these skills and habits, the epithet “cunning” has been attached to the fox since ancient times.

Types of foxes, photos and names

There are several main types of foxes in nature, and below we will describe each of them in more detail.

She is also the red fox, the most popular and at the same time the largest representative of the fox family. The weight of the common fox reaches up to 10 kg, the body length including the tail is 150 cm. The color of the red fox, although red, can have many different shades depending on the place where the fox lives; a characteristic difference of this type of fox is the presence of a white tip on end of the tail and black ears on top. The common fox lives throughout Europe, Asia, northern Africa, North America, and Australia.

The American fox lives exclusively on the American continent in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is of medium size: its body length ranges from 37 to 50 cm. The back of this fox species is colored yellowish-gray. Characteristic feature The American fox is characterized by the presence of a black tip on its tail.

Also known as the Bukhara fox, the Balochistan fox is a relatively small representative of its species, its length does not exceed 0.5 meters, and its weight varies from 1.5 to 3 kg. Among other foxes, the Afghan fox stands out for its large ears, up to 9 cm in height. The fur color of this fox is a rich brownish-gray color. It lives in Afghanistan and neighboring countries. Also found in Egypt, UAE, Turkmenistan.

African fox in its own way appearance very similar to the common fox, the only thing is that it is several times smaller in size. Its total length does not exceed 70-75 cm, and its weight is on average 3.5-3.6 kg. Another difference from the common fox is the presence of longer legs and ears. Lives in many African countries.

It is also an Indian fox, usually of medium size, with a maximum length of 60 cm. The fur of the Bengal fox is short and smooth, and has a red-brown or sandy-brown color. It lives in India, in the foothills of the Himalayas, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Steppe fox (corsac fox)

This fox is also very similar to the common fox, but unlike it, it has an even more pointed muzzle, longer legs and wider ears. But they are smaller in size, body length is 0.5-0.6 m, and weight is 4-6 kg. It has a lighter coat color and a dark or dark brown tail tip. The steppe fox lives in many countries, from southeast Europe to Asia, including Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Azerbaijan.

This type of fox boasts wide ears and equally wide paws, which have special pads that protect the fox from the hot sand with thick fur. The pale brown color of the sand fox also serves as an excellent camouflage against the background of sand and stones where it lives. The dimensions of this fox are average - length is 89-90 cm, weight - 3.5-3.6 kg. The sand fox lives in deserts North Africa, from Morocco and Egypt to Somalia.

It has a brown or fiery red color on the back, turning into light gray on the sides. This fox lives on the territory of the Tibetan plateau and is also found in India, Nepal and China. Its length is 60-70 cm, weight – up to 5 kg.

fennec

Fenech is notable for the fact that it is the smallest fox in the world, its body length is only 40 cm and its weight is up to 1.5 kg. Despite the smallest size in the fox kingdom, the fennec also has the largest ears among all foxes, their length reaches up to 15 cm. Fennecs, like sand foxes, live in the deserts of North Africa, and their paws also have special protective pads that protect their owners from hot on the sand there. I have a red color, the tip of their tail is black.

Despite the name, its ears are not as large as those of the fennec fox, however, the ears of this fox are disproportionately large and reach 13 cm. The big-eared fox has a gray-yellow color with white, yellow or brown spots. A characteristic feature of this species is the presence of as many as 48 teeth (all other foxes have only 42). This fox lives in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Fox breeding

How does a fox reproduce? Like their distant relatives wolves, foxes are monogamous animals in which mating season occurs at a certain period of the year. Its timing depends on the type of fox, but as a rule it lasts from December to March. To create offspring and train them, the male and female fox temporarily form a full-fledged pair.

The pregnancy of a female fox, depending on its species, lasts from 48 to 60 days, after which small fox cubs are born; in one litter there are from 4 to 16 babies, which, like kittens, are born blind and only subsequently their eyes appear.

For one and a half months after birth, babies are on breastfeeding, only after this, when their first teeth begin to erupt, the mother fox gradually begins to tame them to meat food, and then to its prey. To do this, the mother fox teaches them to hunt various small insects, beetles, and frogs. After a few months, the fox cubs already increase sharply in size, and after a year they leave their parents completely ready for independent life In the woods.

Sexual maturity in foxes occurs in the second year of life.

Fox at home: maintenance and care

If you are looking for extravagance, then instead of the usual ones or a dog, you can have a fox at home, it is only important to remember that the keeping of these animals has a number of rules:

• A fox's cage must be spacious so that it can make a den there.
• There must also be a drinking bowl in the cage so that the fox does not feel thirsty.
• You can and should train a fox, so it won’t get bored and can quickly become attached to its owners, like a dog, another distant relative.
• However, playing aggressively with a fox is not recommended; it may bite.
• In the summer, foxes can emit a very strong and unpleasant odor, simply put, stink, so they will need to be bathed at least once every two weeks.
• When keeping a fox at home, it is very important to have a good veterinarian who will regularly examine your unusual pet.

What to feed a fox at home

As for nutrition, foxes can be fed with dog food, although only the highest grade, chicken, beef or fish. In general, they are not very picky when it comes to nutrition.

• For some peoples in ancient times, it was fox skins that served as money.
• The fact that the fox is a frequent hero of many fairy tales is not news to anyone, but it is interesting that in ancient Mesopotamia it was revered as a sacred animal.
• In medieval Japan, the fox was sometimes considered a real werewolf.
• A fox's hearing is so strong that it can hear a squeak. field mouse at a distance of 100 meters.
• You may be reading this article using the Mozilla Firefox browser, the symbol of which is our today’s heroine, the fox.

Fox, video

And in conclusion, an interesting documentary about foxes from the Animal planet channel.

Red fox or common fox major representative a genus of fox from the Canidae family. The animal has an elongated muzzle and a fluffy long tail, which the fox uses as a warm blanket to cover its nose and front paws while resting.

The tail can reach sixty centimeters in length. The fur of a fluffy fox is long and beautiful, and also very warm. Depending on the habitat, the color and tonal saturation of the fur may vary, but basically the back and sides of foxes are bright red, and the belly is white.

The characteristic black stockings or blotches are clearly visible on the paws. But the main distinguishing feature of the red fox is of course the white tip of the tail and sharp black ears.

The fox's paws are quite powerful and muscular, despite the fact that they are a little short. Thanks to them and an even more powerful tail, the fox makes very decent jumps in pursuit of prey.

These qualities enable the fox to be in no way inferior to many predators in the struggle for life.

Foxes, bred in captivity on fur farms, come in unusual platinum and silver-black colors.

If a fox with a fur coat of this color manages to escape and catch the eye of hunters, it becomes the object of instant persecution, because... Fox skins of this color are very valuable.

Where does the red fox live?

The red fox lives almost everywhere on the planet: in Europe, Asia, North America, North Africa, Australia, with the exception of the Tundra and islands.

In Europe alone, the vast population of the common fox includes more than fifteen subspecies.

Foxes are able to adapt to any climatic conditions.

What does a fox eat and who does it hunt?

The red fox is a predator, so its diet is appropriate: small animals, rodents, hares, destroy the nests of wood grouse and geese, hunt roe deer cubs, and do not disdain carrion, various insects and beetles.

Well, domestic hens and chicks, when the fox manages to get into the chicken coop, become tasty prey.

The most interesting thing is that foxes often destroy various cereals, in particular oats, when there is no way to get to anything meaty, and cause significant damage to agricultural crops.

It’s not for nothing that the fox is called cunning; she has a huge number of different ways of hunting and catching prey.

The fox simply pushes the hedgehog into the water so that it opens up and can be grabbed by the stomach, where there are no needles. It easily identifies mice, gophers and other rodents by sound and digs them out from under the snow in winter. In general, mice are a well-known delicacy for foxes, and in some regions the population of common individuals depends directly on the number of rodents.

Foxes hunt geese in pairs, while one fox distracts the gaping goose, the second quickly attacks the prey.

The fox is able to adapt to the habits of any animal that it has planned for lunch.

Foxes hunt around the clock when prey is discovered, but of course night is the main time for hunting.

When a fox walks through the snow, it places its hind paws strictly in the tracks of its front paws, forming a kind of chain.
Foxes that live near rivers eat fish with pleasure and are often caught during spawning or in shallow water.

In total, the diet of the red fox includes about four hundred species of animals and several dozen species of plants.

Foxes living in the desert are content with meat various snakes and lizards.

How a red fox reproduces and has offspring

Cubs of the common fox are born in most cases in mid-spring. When foxes plan to have offspring, they dig a deep hole, although if they find a ready-made one, they immediately occupy it.

As a rule, a female fox gives birth to from four to twelve puppies, as the cubs are also called. The fox's gestation period lasts from six to eight weeks, and after the fox cubs are born, the red mother feeds them with milk for a month and a half.

Little fox cubs look like wolf cubs, they can only be distinguished by the white tip of their tail. Fox cubs fully mature by the age of two and, having become adults, begin to hunt and kill prey on their own.

Red foxes form stable mating pairs and the male takes a direct part in raising the offspring.

Enemies of the red fox

The main exterminators of the red fox, of course, were and are hunters who, for the sake of beautiful and expensive fur, exterminate a huge number of foxes, which has an irreversible impact on the population of these beautiful animals in many regions.

And in the forest, the fox competes for prey and, of course, is at enmity with wolves and other large animals.

In many photos, the fox appears with a sly face, which is completely true.

Where is the fox's home?

To live, foxes build a den in an open place, in the grass or in the snow. The fox either digs the hole itself or can evict some animal, an arctic fox or a badger.

The hole has several entrances with underground holes for possible escape in case of danger. An old fox has several holes in various places, where she takes refuge in case of impending danger.

Fox photo

Titles: common fox (fox), red fox.

Area: The fox is quite widespread and lives throughout almost the entire territory of Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. Acclimatized in Australia. Some researchers believe that a special related species lives in America ( V. fulvus), others consider it only as a subspecies of the red fox.

Description: The red fox has a slender, graceful, slightly elongated body on low legs. The common fox is the size of a small dog, and of its total length, approximately 40 percent is its bushy tail. They have a slender face, with white fur on the upper lip, and some individuals have black tear marks. The common fox is larger than other representatives of the genus, but its color and size are characterized by great geographical variability. In general, to the north the foxes become larger and brighter, to the south they become smaller and duller in color. There are 14-15 subspecies in Europe, and over 25 subspecies are known for the rest of its range.
Adult foxes begin to molt in February - March (in the north - in March - April) and finally put on summer fur in mid-summer. Winter fur begins to develop almost immediately, maturing during November - December. The fox's summer fur is sparse and short, making it look lean, large-headed and even long-legged.

Color: In most cases, the color of the fox's back is bright red, with an unclear dark pattern, the belly is white, but sometimes black. Her belly is white, gray or slightly brownish, her chest is light. The color of the back and sides varies in different places from bright red to gray.
In northern regions with harsh climatic conditions, black-brown and other melanistic forms of coloration are more common. Greyhounds, crosses, and silver foxes are common foxes with deviations from normal coloration. Black-brown fur is the most beautiful. Similar foxes have long been bred on fur farms and are called silver-black.
In nature, there is another type of fox color - the moth. She has red-orange fur with a fiery tint. If you shake it, it seems like a flame is swaying. Moths are most often found in Kamchatka, less often in Yakutia and others northeastern regions Siberia. And very rarely - in the European part of Russia. And the quality of European moth skins is much lower than that of the Yakut and Kamchatka moths, which often outshone their best silver-black relatives at fur auctions. Sometimes pure white albino foxes are born.
The noted diversity in color and size of the fox is associated with the vastness of its range and the large differences in living conditions in its individual parts.

Size: body length 60-90 cm, tail - 40-60 cm, shoulder height: 35-40 cm

Weight: from 6 to 10 kg.

Lifespan: In the wild, foxes rarely live more than seven years, while in captivity they live up to 20-25 years.

During the rut or in a state of excitement, the fox emits a rather loud, abrupt bark, like a yelp. Fighting or angry animals squeal shrilly. You can distinguish a male from a female by their voices: the female makes a triple “bark” and ends it with a short howl, but the male does not have this howl, but he barks more often and more, in the manner of a dog.

Habitat: The fox inhabits all landscape-geographical zones, from the tundra and forests to the steppes and deserts, including mountains. The common fox prefers open areas, as well as those areas where there are separate groves, copses, as well as hills and ravines, especially if in winter snow cover It's not too deep and loose. It only avoids the deep taiga, snowy areas and deserts, therefore, on the territory of our country, most foxes live in the forest-steppes, steppes and foothills of the European and Asian parts.
Moreover, the fox is found not only in the wild, but also in cultural landscapes, including the immediate vicinity of villages and cities, including large industrial centers. Moreover, sometimes in areas developed by humans, the fox finds a particularly favorable environment for itself. So, in some areas of England, they completely developed vast agricultural lands along with populated areas, and began to “populate” cities, living even in the center of huge London! They live in parks, feed near landfills, and make burrows under various buildings. Due to their uncleanliness in Birmingham, foxes began to bother people with unsanitary conditions, forcing the city's veterinary service, with the help of hunters, to catch more than a hundred foxes and take them to remote forests, but it was discovered that after some time they began to return to the city to their favorite places.

Enemies: TO natural enemies foxes can be attributed to wolves living in the same territory and some others large predators. Previously, hunters killed foxes in huge quantities in order to prevent natural outbreaks of fox rabies. However, the widespread use of oral vaccines in both North America and Europe has eliminated the need for such radical measures as the complete shooting of foxes.

Food: The fox, although it belongs to typical predators, eats a wide variety of foods. Among the food it eats there are more than 300 species of animals alone, not counting several dozen species of plants. However, the basis of its diet is made up of small rodents, mainly mice and voles, which in total make up about three-quarters of their diet. Larger mammals, in particular hares, play a much smaller role, although in some cases foxes catch them. Sometimes foxes attack small roe deer cubs. Birds in the fox's diet are not as important as rodents, although the predator will never miss an opportunity to catch any of them found on the ground (from the smallest to the largest - geese, wood grouse, etc.), as well as to destroy the clutch and chicks. In the southern regions of Europe, foxes often hunt for reptiles; on Far East, living near rivers, they feed salmon fish, died after spawning; in shallow water they catch fish and crayfish, and near the seashore they pick up all kinds of sea waste: from shellfish to large mammals. During the summer months, almost everywhere, foxes readily eat a variety of beetles and other insects. After the rains, it collects earthworms in abundance. Finally, during the period of hare pestilence, they eat their corpses and other all kinds of carrion, and in times of famine - various refuse. Plant foods - fruits, fruits, berries, and less often vegetative parts of plants - are included in the food of almost all foxes. Having found an unharvested soybean field, it feeds on it.
In general, the nature of nutrition and the species composition of food vary greatly not only in different geographical areas, but also among individuals of adjacent populations inhabiting different habitats.

Behavior: Foxes usually hunt at dusk and at night; during the day they can be seen most often in winter and even in summer, when their offspring grow up. At this time, the fox uses burrows, but the rest of the time it prefers to rest in an open place - under an invert, in a ravine, on a haystack. In terms of behavior, old and young foxes differ little, except that the young ones are more timid and less experienced in catching large game. If there are a lot of mice, they hunt most often at night and at dawn. Having eaten, at dawn they go into the forests, densely overgrown ravines and other secluded places, where they rest all day.
If fields and meadows rich in mouse-like rodents are located several kilometers from the forest, then many foxes, especially young ones, lie down for the day in the meadows, choosing for this a small hillock near a lonely bush. Before lying down, the redhead zigzags a lot, and sometimes makes leaps to the side, trying to jump into the grass or other place where its trace cannot be immediately found. Having reached the bedding area, the fox first sits like a statue, carefully examining the surrounding area. Having made sure that there is no danger and spinning around in place, it curls up and lies with its nose to the trail, covering its abdomen, legs and even its head with its tail. After a while, he will raise his head, listen and look around again. After repeating this operation several times, he finally falls asleep. In the forest, a fox lies down in a clearing, a hillock, and also in such a way that it has a clear view.
Its usual manner of movement is a leisurely trot. A calmly walking fox follows in a straight line, leaving a clear chain of footprints in the snow. Often the fox takes a step, stops, looking around. Despite its short legs, the fox runs very briskly and quickly moves away from its pursuer in large leaps, at a gallop, or literally spread out above the ground and stretching its tail so far that not every dog ​​is able to catch up with it. As for dexterity, she successfully catches beetles flying over her. When hiding prey, it completely merges with the terrain and seems to crawl on its belly.