Vulpes vulpes

Origin: Present across the entire Northern Hemisphere; including the 

Artic circle to North Africa, North America, Europe, and introduced into Australia

Lifespan: Up to five years in the wild, and up to 15 years in captivity

Size: Adults weigh 5-30 lbs

Diet: Omnivorous

Activity: Crepuscular

Reproduction:

• Mostly monogamous

• Breeds once a year in the spring

• Gestation period  49-58 days

• Average litter size is four to six kits, though litters of 13 have occurred

• Mothers remain with kits 2-3 weeks while father brings back food for mother

• Fathers will raise the kits in the absence of the mother

• Lactation period lasts 6-7 weeks

• The kits reach adult proportions at 6-7 months

Extra Facts:

• Red foxes are the largest of the true foxes

• Can reach a max running speed of 30 mph

• Foxes have several scent glands that give them a musky odor

• There are several color mutations: red, gray, blackish brown, silver, amber, platinum. and samson

• Males are called dogs and females are called vixens

• When frightened, Red Foxes appear to grin