RED FOX
(Vulpes vulpes)
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Tracks
Listen To It!
Fox Squalling
50k
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Mass: 4.1 to 5.4 kg
Length: to 4 ft. (1.2 m)
Biomes: tundra, temperate forest & rainforest, temperate grassland
Status: no special status.
Range: The red fox is found throughout Canada, Alaska, almost all of the contiguous US, all of Europe and Britain and almost all of Asia including Japan. There are also several populations in North Africa. Red foxes were introduced into Australia in the nineteenth century.
Hiker's Note:
Coloration of red foxes ranges from pale yellowish red to deep reddish brown on the upper parts and white, ashy or slaty on the underside. The lower part of the legs is usually black and the tail usually has a white or black tip. The eyes of mature animals are yellow. The nose is dark brown or black. Two color variants commonly occur. The cross fox has reddish brown fur and has a black stripe down its back and another across its shoulders. The silver fox ranges from strong silver to nearly black and is the most prized by furriers.
Red foxes are considered by many to be threats to poultry, though the magnitude of the threat is exaggerated. Foxes are known vectors for rabies and can transmit the disease to humans.
The manus has 5 claws and the pes 4 claws which are visible in their prints. The first digit, or dew claw, is rudimentary but clawed and does not contact the ground. Tracks are approximately 2 in. (5 cm.) Heel pad resembles inverted "V." The Red Foxe's paws are fur covered which may obscure their tracks in snow or mud.
References
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