Territories are shared by mated pairs and their immature pups, but are actively defended from non-related foxes. Foxes actively maintain territories that may vary in size from 2 to 7 square miles. They remain active all year and do not hibernate. Activity is variable foxes may be active night or day, and sightings at dusk or dawn are common.
Foxes are usually shy and wary, but they are also curious. Foxes are quite vocal, having a large repertoire of howls, barks, and whines. They return to these storage sites and have been observed digging up a cache, inspecting it, and reburying it in another spot. Foxes cache excess food when hunting and foraging are good. They are opportunistic feeders and their primary foods include small rodents, squirrels, rabbits, birds, eggs, insects, vegetation, fruit, and dead animals. Life historyīoth the red fox and gray fox are omnivorous. They will climb trees to escape predators and to access arboreal food sources. Gray foxes are one of only two canid species in the world that can climb trees thanks to their hook-shaped claws. They measure about 31–44 inches in total length and weigh 7–13 pounds. Compared to the red fox, the gray fox has a shorter muzzle and shorter ears, as well as oval pupils. The gray fox appears smaller than the red fox, but the shorter legs and stockier body are deceptive. The belly, throat, and chest are whitish. The overall coloration is gray, with the darkest color extending in a stripe along the top of the back down to the end of the tail. The gray fox is often confused with the red fox because of the rusty-red fur on its ears, ruff, and neck. Similar to cats, red foxes have vertical pupils which help to enhance night vision for hunting. The white tip on the tail distinguishes this fox from other species at any age.
They are recognized by their reddish coat and black “leg-stockings.” Red is the most common coat color, but individuals may vary from light yellow to a deep auburn red to a frosted black. Adults typically weigh 7–15 pounds, but may appear heavier. They measure about 35–40 inches from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. The red fox is the most widespread carnivore species in the world ranging across the entire Northern Hemisphere.
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