Red fox are small, shy, and adaptable with a capacity for learning from experience. Red fox weigh 10 to 12 pounds, but heavier in the north up to 14 pounds. Lengths range from 35 to 41 inches with a 14 to 17 inch bushy tail tipped in white. Commonly red on top, gray to white lower, with black on the ears, lower legs, and feet. Other color phases include black, silver, and crosses between red and silver. Red fox are primarily nocturnal and have the ability to hear low frequencies that let them detect small prey underground.
Red fox are widely distributed across the U.S. except for parts of the west. Habitats include mixed cultivated fields, woodlots, and brushland. The home range is generally 2 to 3 square miles, but varies with habitat and prey. Red fox eat small mammals, birds, insects, crayfish, corn, berries, acorns, and other vegetation. Coyotes prey on red fox and trappers often note lower red fox populations when coyotes increase in number. Red fox use maternity dens to raise their young. The dens are often old woodchuck or badger diggings on slopes with good visibility. Breeding occurs in January to early March, resulting in one litter of 1 to 10 kits.
