I.

Introduction

Fox, smallest member of the dog family, a group of mammals that also includes wolves, coyotes, and jackals. Foxes are characterized by short legs, a narrow elongated muzzle, erect triangular ears, thick fur, and a long, bushy tail. Foxes are found throughout the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa, inhabiting mostly forest, shrub land, and desert regions. Most of the ten species of the genus to which the red fox belongs can adapt to diverse climates and habitats.

Most foxes feed on mice, voles, rabbits, birds’ eggs, fruit, large insects, and carrion (decaying animal flesh). Because their prey is small, foxes are solitary rather than pack hunters. They generally work territories of less than 8 sq km (3 sq mi), which they defend from other foxes. They are swift, agile runners; the red fox can reach a speed of 48 km/h (30 mph).