I have entered this page in support of the Young People Trust for the Environment, which is something that I feel strongly about and feel that we should all support; you can visit their website for more information by going to: Fox (Red) – Overview | Young People’s Trust For the Environment (ypte.org.uk)
Overview
Red Fox by Martin PettittOrder: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Species: Vulpes vulpes
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Distribution: found throughout the British Isles, including Ireland, but absent from most islands. Also native to the rest of Europe and North America, Asia, and North Africa. Introduced to Australia and New Zealand in the mid-19th century.
Habitat: almost all habitats – woods, farmland, coasts, mountains, towns and cities
Description: dog-like appearance with pointed muzzle and bushy, white-tipped tail (“brush”). Reddish-brown coat; lower legs and backs of ears are black.
Size: length; male (dog):- 112 cm. (tail is a third of this). Female (vixen):- 108 cm.
Life-span: 18 months to 2 years in the wild; a few may be lucky and live to around eight years. Up to 14 years in captivity.
Food: earthworms, rabbits, rodents, birds, insects, fruit, carrion (dead animals); coastal foxes eat gulls’ eggs. Urban foxes scavenge for leftovers.
The red fox is the most widespread and numerous predator in Britain. Although humans have persecuted the fox for centuries, it is still a widespread animal. Its success is mainly due to its ability to live almost anywhere. It has even moved into cities.
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