Facts

Status

No legislative protection.

The size of a small dog, the red fox is the largest member of the genus Vulpes and is well-known for its large bushy tail, which is often tipped with white. The fur is variable in colour, but is usually reddish brown to flame-red above and white to black below; the lower limbs and the back of the ears are often black.

Distributed throughout the northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle in the north, as far south as north Africa, including much of North America, all of Europe and most of Asia, including Japan. They are found practically everywhere in mainland Britain, as well as on many islands.

You can view distribution information for this
species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

This highly adaptable species is found in many habitats, from sand dunes to mountain tops. It also occurs in urban areas, and seems to fare particularly well in affluent suburbs.

The red fox is typically active at dusk (crepuscular) or at night (nocturnal), but is often active in the day in more undisturbed areas . The diet is extremely broad, and includes small mammals, many invertebrates, and birds, as well as fruit, carrion and items scavenged from dustbins, bird tables and compost heaps. Foxes are territorial, with the size of the territory depending on the type and productivity of the habitat . Typically, a group consists of a breeding male (dog fox) and female (vixen) and their offspring, but related non-breeding adults may also live in the group. Breeding occurs between December and February. The vixen produces one litter of about 4-5 cubs once a year in spring. The naked, blind and helpless cubs are born in a den called an 'earth', or under sheds in urban areas. During the first two weeks following the birth, the vixen remains in the earth, suckling her young. At four weeks of age the cubs start to venture above ground; they disperse from the area of birth between 6-12 months, and reach sexual maturity at 10 months of age. They may live up to 9 years of age in the wild. This species has very few natural predators, but cubs are taken by badgers, dogs and golden eagles.

Foxes are perceived as important predators of ground nesting birds, gamebirds, and livestock, and are therefore widely controlled. Most deaths are caused by road accidents, shooting and other methods of control, and secondary poisoning may also be a factor resulting in mortality. Furthermore, foxes are hunted with hounds in Britain; this is a contentious issue.

The red fox is legislatively widely regarded as vermin and is therefore unprotected. In Britain, it is protected by closed seasons against hunting. No conservation measures are in place. Research into fox predation and control is being carried out by the Game Conservancy Trust.