A Mix of Cat-like Coolness & Dog-like Charm!
Foxes share some surprising similarities with our beloved house cats. Both cats and Foxes are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night, love the dark, and use their slanted pupils to see clearly in dim light. The gray fox is more like a cat than the red fox, using their retracting sharp nails just like a cat. And they look more like our feline friends, while the red foxes are a bit more doggy-looking.
Whiskers aren't just for cats' cute faces — foxes use them too, helping them navigate through the great outdoors. And when it's time for dinner, watch out! Foxes, like cats, are expert stalkers, quietly approaching their prey with a mischievous twinkle in their eyes. Imagine foxes treading through the forest, using the balls of their feet, just like a cat on a midnight prowl.
Nature's Ultimate Super-Adapters
Foxes are really good at living in many places, even where people live, like on farms and in neighborhoods. They're flexible and can go to different spots easily, from forests to fields. Their fur, which can be red, gray, or white, helps them hide and stay safe.
The Arctic fox is one cool example of how foxes can live in freezing places. It lives in the Arctic where it gets super cold, like -50°C (-58°F)! They even dig snow tunnels during big snowstorms to stay cozy.
Foxes are also really good at living in big cities. They're clever and can learn to live around tall buildings and busy streets. The red fox is especially good at eating almost anything, which helps it live in the city.
Secret Underground Forts
Fox families keep safe in hidden worlds, known as dens. Imagine these dens as secret underground forts, providing a safe haven from larger animals like coyotes, wolves, and bears. Foxes, known for their intelligence, showcase their cleverness by digging dens under sheds, decking, or even utilizing holes crafted by other animals. In bustling cities, these covert fox homes are called 'earths' and can be found beneath sheds, among tree roots, in bushes, or along railway embankments.
Fox dens come in various sizes, ranging from small hideouts approximately 3-8 feet deep to larger, mansion-like structures. These intricate homes feature entrances and rooms designed for sleeping, hiding food, and nurturing the adorable fox cubs. Foxes, with their supper digging skills, craft cozy and secure homes, showcasing their adaptability in both urban and natural landscapes. π‘
What's on the Menu?
Foxes are nature's clever and stealthy hunters, equipped with bodies designed for optimal food-finding and catching skills. Their unique abilities set them apart in the animal kingdom. With remarkable hearing, foxes can pick up even the quietest sounds from a distance of 40 yards! Adding to their extraordinary skills, foxes can use the Earth's magnetic field to locate food. Using their pointy ears and sharp eyes, they skillfully spot their favorite snacks, occasionally digging into the ground to capture insects or reveal hidden treats. This combination of keen senses makes foxes truly wonderful hunters.
Foxes aren't picky eaters and will eat many different foods depending on what is available in their surroundings. Their wild diet encompasses grasshoppers, crickets, small birds, squirrels, rabbits, young woodchucks, snakes, and lizards. Occasionally, they may target larger birds like pheasants and ducks. Foxes also enjoy berries and fruits such as grapes, apples, and raspberries, and they consume about 1 pound of meat at a time. And, they save their leftovers, burying excess food for later—a hidden stash acting as their secret pantry! Their mixed, flexible diet ensures they stay well-fed and happy in their fox tunnels.
Foxes in Your Backyard?
It may be surprising and maybe a little frightening to discover that foxes live in neighborhoods. If a fox shows up in your neighborhood, no worries! Foxes are a bit shy and usually run away if they see people. They might pass through your yard on their way to find food, and that's okay. Just let them be, and they'll be on their way.
Uninvited Guest
Many people decide that having a fox in their yard isn't welcome. To make sure foxes don't stay in your yard long or choose your yard for a den, you can follow these steps:
No Snacks, Please -
Don't give foxes any snacks. It might make them keep coming back. And never try to get near a fox or pet one.
Pet Food Patrol: Keep pet food inside to deter foxes.
Clean Up Crew: Make sure your garbage is tightly sealed, and clean up fallen fruit or birdseed.
Home Sweet Fox-Free Home: Close up any hiding spots under your porch or shed.
Resources
Human Society Article:
"What to do about Foxes"
SPCA Article:
"Foxes in the garden"ο»Ώ
Who are Their Neighbors
Foxes share their habitats with other adaptable animals, such as
raccoons, which are often active at night, and
opossums, which also move quietly through the same areas after dark. During the day, you might spot
squirrels nearby, creating a busy and ever-changing environment where many animals live side by side.
