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Fox Family
The red fox is part of the Canidae family. Dogs, wolves and coyotes are part of the same family. |
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Size
The average red fox weighs about 8 to 11 lbs. They have a thick coat of fur. They are about 15 inches from the ground to shoulder. Most of them measure around 26 inches from nose to end of tail, with the tail itself being 12 to 18 inches long. |
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Speed
The red fox can run up to speeds of 35 mph, but only for short distances. |
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Fox Tracks
Fox track patterns are usually in straight line, with about 3 to 4 inches between each set of prints. They will be different in size and shape depending on whether the fox walked in snow, mud, dust or sand. |
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Mating
Mating season begins in December for foxes 10 months and older. The season lasts until March. The female is pregnant for 52 days. She has only one litter of 5 to 10 kits per year.
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Illness
Foxes can suffer from a skin disease called mange, where they lose their fur. They can also get rabies and lyme disease. They can get these from ticks or contact with other animals. |
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Fox Names
The scientific name for the red fox is Vulpes vulpes. A male is called a renard and a female a vixen. Young foxes are kits, cubs and pups. A group of foxes are a skulk.
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