Common fox - description, habitat, lifestyle

Otherwise, an ordinary fox is called red due to the specific pigmentation of its fur, which, by the way, is very much appreciated. By this animal is meant a predatory mammal belonging to the canine family. This is the largest representative of the family among the similar ones. She is adapted to live in harsh conditions, to get food. Some people even teach such foxes from an early age. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, we will study all aspects in order.

Description

1. A predatory mammal is common in different climatic regions, but it likes moderate or severe weather conditions. The animal is attributed to the canine family, is the largest representative of all available foxes. Individuals are valued for their thick fur; they are also planted by farmers to kill rodents and insects. According to external data, representatives of the species are similar to self-similar, they have an elongated muzzle in a narrower format. The body is elegant and elongated, the limbs are short.
2. Dimensional features depend on which gender a particular individual is assigned to. As a rule, these mammals grow up to 80–90 cm in length and weigh 6–10 kg. All representatives of the family have a characteristic similarity - the body is elongated, the legs are shortened, the muzzle is elongated, and the tail is fluffy. The tail is required for balancing while walking fast or running. He also serves the fox as a shield against the weather. The tail extends up to 40-50 cm in length.
3. The presented individuals do not count on their eyesight; they are guided by their sense of smell and touch. Also, the animals are characterized by excellent hearing, large-format ears, slightly elongated, pointed tip. There are certain species of foxes in which the ears are 15 cm long. In the dark, mammals see normally, but they don’t recognize the color scheme. They also catch sharp movements. As for the oral cavity, it is equipped with 42 teeth.
4. Now about the fur. Wool cover in length and density depends on the season and climate. If the fox lives in the cold, respectively, its fur will be long and very dense. In the summer, animals lose some of their hair, becoming less fluffy. According to the shade, the representatives of the species are yellowish, red and white, brown-yellow, beige-red. Almost all individuals are characterized by the presence of whitish or black marks. Animals from the northern latitudes are brightened by pigmentation, while southern individuals are dull and not too large.
5. Foxes run fast, in case of attack or hunting they can reach speeds of 50 kilometers per hour. When the mating season begins, the presented individuals make strange sounds similar to dog barking. As for life expectancy, in their natural environment individuals reach 3–9 years. While in captivity they can live 15 and even 20 years.

Lifestyle

1. The mammals under discussion prefer to dig minks on their own in a designated area. The territory is occupied by a family or couple who have reached puberty. The ability to drive the like-like from his home provides foxes with food. Some families do not dig minks, but occupy empty houses. They can settle in the former home of badgers, arctic foxes, marmots, etc.
2. Cases have been recorded in which these foxes coexisted in minks next to badgers. And there were no conflicts. Individuals shared a home and raised offspring. Representatives of the species like to live among the hills or ravines, representing a half-sandy area.Soil must be protected from rain.
3. In the mink there are several entrances and exits, so that in case of flooding, the family can safely leave the home. The tunnels are long and smooth, there is a separate large area for the "nesting" (camera). In it, foxes sleep and guard the offspring. Individuals who could not find or dig a mink look for hollows in trees or crevices among rocks and equip them in their own way.
4. It is interesting that permanent shelters are used by these animals only for the time of growing foxes. In the remaining time, animals prefer to live in an open area, building themselves housing in the snow or in the grass.
5. These individuals move smoothly and directly, which can be seen from the tracks in the snow. When a fox is scared, it bends the body to the ground, completely straightens its tail and quickly runs a jog. Activity is manifested to a greater extent at night, during the day foxes can sleep. In daylight, these individuals do not see well, in the evening there are no such problems.

Habitat

1. The individuals of the variety under discussion are common in different parts of our vast country. They do not inhabit, except, perhaps, the tundra and the zone of the Polar basin; Arctic foxes rule here. A distinctive feature is that these predators quickly adapt to the climate and its changes. Partly for this reason, they are met in different landscapes, whether it is a mountainous terrain, a lowland, a steppe or a wasteland.
2. However, it is important that the habitat is provided with a food base and shelter places. Foxes live near water sources, which are lakes or rivers. The southern and central part of Russia is suitable for them, since these regions have the best landscapes and weather conditions for these animals.
3. In the cold season, predatory mammals try to spend most of their time in shelters in the form of burrows. At the same time, when breeding begins, they go deep into the forest so that no one will bother subsequent offspring.

Food

1. Foxes are classified as predators, but their daily diet is not limited solely to animal food. The feed base includes more than 30 varieties of plant crops and about 400 varieties of animals. Most of the menus are rodents of a small type. When the winter season comes, foxes hunt for voles.
2. The individuals of this breed group very skillfully drive rodents into a trap, after which they feed on prey. They search for a victim under the snow mass, then dive and begin to jump intensively, introducing them into confusion. The hunt is accompanied by rapid movements of the paws, the rodent literally jumps out of the snow and immediately becomes caught.
3. Large mammals are rarely hunted by foxes, but still do not exclude the possibility of feasting on them. The offspring of roe deer and hares are used. Animals also hunt birds and their cubs. Some foxes feed on dead moose and their offspring, while others attack reptiles. It all depends on the feed base available in the distribution area.
4. In the summertime, these predators include insects in their basic diet, and also absorb their larvae. When times of famine come, some foxes feed on carrion. From plant foods they like to eat vegetative parts of plants, berries with fruits.

Enemies

1. The mammals represented have enemies in their natural environment, but the final list of enemies depends on where the fox lives. Only those predators can hunt a fox that are larger than it in terms of overall features, strength and speed.
2. These include lynxes, bears, wolverines. Even some large birds can afford to catch fluffy prey. Among predatory birds, eagles, hawks, golden eagles, falcons, etc. are distinguished.
3. Some of the steppe animals can be dangerous for foxes, in particular, there is a threat for the cubs.Badgers, ferrets and ermines can drag and eat offspring.

Breeding

1. Most often, the mating season in the individuals under consideration falls in the middle or end of winter. It is noteworthy that up to 6 males can chase one female at such a time. At the same time, they constantly fight among themselves and yap.
2. After mating, the female proceeds to thoroughly clean the hole. After harvesting, the fox settles down and expects the offspring. She practically does not leave home. All this time the male gets food, protects the family and feeds the female. He leaves the prey near the entrance to the hole.
3. Soon, babies are born. They are helpless and covered with wool. The cubs are blind and deaf. Already from the first days of life, foxes have a white tail tip. In addition, the offspring begins to grow and develop rapidly. After about 3 weeks, the babies are already starting to hear and see.
4. Around the same time, their teeth erupted. After some time, they sometimes begin to leave the hole. Fox cubs are gradually tasting adult food. Surprisingly, both parents have been feeding and raising all this time.
5. The female continues to feed offspring with milk for about 1.5 months. Then the kids gradually get used to adulthood and sometimes begin to hunt. They become independent no earlier than six months.
6. Young growth reaches sexual maturity at about the age of 1.5-2 years. This applies to males. Females, on the contrary, mature one year or two later. Only after that they are ready to become parents.

Population

1. Just a few years ago, hunters exterminated the animals in question in huge numbers. Sometimes this was done in order to prevent the development of fox rabies. Similar natural foci previously happened quite often.
2. But in recent years, experts have developed a vaccine. Now it is enough to be administered orally. As a result, the need to kill animals in large numbers has disappeared by itself. However, a population of this species remains rather unstable.
3. Despite all this, the number of such wild animals remains at the point that they do not need to be entered in the Red Book and assigned to environmental status.

House maintenance

1. Immediately it is worth saying that the content of the fox in the apartment or house is possible. Keep in mind that you need to carefully prepare and observe a number of certain rules. Before you get such a pet, be sure to find a veterinarian first.
2. The specialist should regularly monitor the health of the animal. This is perhaps the most important and basic rule. Next is to get a big cage. At the same time, it should be so spacious that the pet can build a mink for itself. Try to arrange the cage in such a way that cleaning it does not cause trouble.
3. Do not forget about the drinker. Be sure to pour fresh filtered water every day. The fox must not be allowed to thirst. If you live in a private house with sufficient territory, it is best to build an aviary and install a booth in it. Be sure to deepen the net into the ground by about 1 m. Otherwise, the fox can dig a hole and run away.
4. Keep in mind that such an animal requires constant attention. It is necessary to constantly play and train with a fox. Such individuals are strongly attached to the owners, because it is quite easy to train them with various tricks. However, aggressive games should be forgotten. Otherwise, the pet may go over the edge and it hurts to bite or scratch you.
5. You need to play with a fox like with a cat, not a dog. It is worth knowing about one more characteristic feature of the considered individuals. The problem is that foxes produce a rather unpleasant and strong aroma in the warm season. Therefore, at this time, the animal is recommended to bathe every 2 weeks.

Feeding at home

1. As for nutrition, foxes are by and large almost unpretentious. They will be happy to eat dog food without any problems. However, such products must be premium and super premium. For the rest of the animal, regularly give chicken meat, fish, beef, vegetables, berries and fruits.
2. Consider, before giving the animal such products, it is recommended to boil them first. Be sure to remove all bones from the fish. In addition, foxes eat cottage cheese, milk and soft cheese quite well. However, such delicacies are allowed to be given a maximum of 2 times a week. One serving should not exceed 150 gr.
3. Sometimes it is recommended to spoil the forest with live food. Get a rat or mouse at a specialty store. However, consider that if the animal tastes such food, it can completely abandon the usual diet. Therefore, it is up to you to decide whether to give live food or not.

Fur Value

1. As for molting, in the considered individuals it begins approximately at the end of winter or the beginning of spring. This process ends in mid-summer. After that, the same winter fur begins to grow intensively in animals. It is fully formed by the middle of winter.
2. Summer fur is different in that it is short and not very thick. Winter coat on the contrary, lush and knocked down. In this case, fox fur can be of different colors. Most often it is a red fox or a black-brown. Such fur is very much appreciated all over the world, especially by large fur auctions.

Interesting Facts

1. In ancient times, the skins of the animals in question were very much appreciated. It meant that a person is very rich and wealthy.
2. Do not forget that such animals are very cunning and smart. They are able to outwit the hunting dogs that pursue them.
3. Sometimes foxes are called "Patrikeevna." This nickname came from Prince Patrichea. Such a ruler became famous for his cunning. He cunningly conducted business affairs.
4. In different countries around the world, the fox is found in literature and folklore. It is in such works that animals are represented by a symbol of cunning. In Japan, the fox is considered a werewolf.
5. It is noteworthy that the individuals in question have perfect hearing. They are able to hear the screech of a field mouse at a distance of about 100 m.
6. When a fox catches prey, it chews it into small pieces. She swallows the meat without chewing.
7. There is such an animal as a gravel wolf. He is very similar to a fox, but does not belong to such a genus. He does not have a vertical pupil, which is characteristic of foxes.

In today's material, we studied a representative of the canine family, which is also called the red fox. It is distributed mainly in cold climatic zones, has enemies in its natural habitat, and feeds not only on animals but also on plant foods. Of particular value is the fur of the animal, because of which poachers constantly lead fox hunting.

Video: ordinary fox (Vulpes vulpes)