Contents:
- Fox Classification
- 5 Types of Foxes in North America
- What Kind of Danger Foxes Pose To Your Property?
- Summary
There are many different types of foxes in North America, but most people only know about a couple. In this article, we’ll take a look at five different types of foxes that can be found in North America. We’ll learn about their habits and what makes them unique.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Fox Classification
What exactly is a fox? This might seem like a simple question, but it’s actually quite complicated. Most researchers consider true foxes and South American foxes to be true foxes, but there is some disagreement about the other species.
Finally, the term “fox” refers to any small canine with triangular ears, a mostly flattened skull, a pointed snout, and a bushy tail. Most are omnivorous and either nocturnal or crepuscular, but there are so many differences between species that generalization is difficult.
In many ways, the answer to “what is a fox?” is not simple. But that’s part of what makes these creatures so fascinating.
Foxes are notoriously difficult canines to categorize. While other notable canines, such as wolves, are mostly classified within a single genus, foxes are divided into several genera. This means that foxes are a type of canine, a carnivorous mammal also known as a dog or a canid.
The classification of foxes becomes more difficult below the family Canidae. The 23 living fox species are divided into six genera. Vulpes, the largest genus, contains 12 of these species, which are known as true foxes.
Meanwhile, the second-largest genus, Lycalopex, is home to six species known as South American foxes. Foxes are further divided into subspecies, which can make identifying a particular fox challenging for even the most experienced experts.
The other four genera each have one or two species, many of which are genetically more similar to wolves, coyotes, and jackals than to other foxes.
5 Types of Foxes in North America
There are several species of foxes in North America, and nearly three dozen worldwide. Among those who currently reside in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are:
The American Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes fulva)
Foxes are sly creatures that have been known to outwit even the most experienced hunters. Red foxes, in particular, are cunning and resourceful, which has helped them to become one of the most widespread types of fox in North America.
They can be found in every state except for Florida, and they are even present in the Arctic Circle. Although they are typically only active at night, red foxes are capable of running at speeds of up to 30 mph, making them difficult to catch.
On average, red foxes live for about 5 years, but some individuals have been known to live for 10 years or more. There are two main types of red foxes in North America: native red foxes and European red foxes that were introduced artificially.
In the United States, the European red fox is now considered an invasive species. Thanks to their intelligence and adaptability, red foxes are likely to continue thriving in North America for many years to come.
The Gray Fox (Urocuon ceneroargenteus)
The gray fox is a member of the Canidae family, which includes dogs and wolves. It is found throughout North and Central America and typically weighs around 10 pounds, though some can grow to be as large as 20 pounds.
The gray fox’s coat is mostly gray, with a black line running along the back and orange or red fur on the sides of the head. The gray fox’s strong claws allow it to scamper up trees, allowing it to avoid common predators such as coyotes and domestic dogs.
Gray foxes are nocturnal animals, spending most of their time alone or in pairs. They mate for life and typically have between 2 and 4 kits per litter. Gray foxes eat rabbits (including the Eastern cottontail), birds, voles, and shrews, among other things.
Gray foxes are known to eat insects and plants in some parts of the United States when meat supplies are low. The gray fox is an interesting and relatively little-known member of the canine family.
The Swift Fox (Vulpes velox)
The swift fox is a small, nimble creature that is about the size of a cat or small dog. It is found in the grasslands of North America, including Alberta and Manitoba in Canada and Montana, Colorado, and Kansas in the United States.
The swift fox gets its name from its incredible speed; it can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour!
The swift fox’s coat is a beautiful orange and tan color, which helps it to blend in with its surroundings. These clever creatures are expert hunters, and their diet consists primarily of rodents, rabbits, and other small animals.
Swift foxes were once considered endangered, but their numbers have rebounded in recent years and they are now regarded as of “least concern.” These fascinating animals are a vital part of the North American ecosystem, and it is always a delight to spot one in the wild!
The Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
The Arctic fox is a fascinating creature that has adapted to life in a brutal environment.
Also known as the snow fox, white fox, or polar fox, this little animal is more rounded than its vulpine cousins and has a thick coat of fur that helps it survive in the coldest regions of the world.
The arctic fox feeds on mammals like voles and lemmings, as well as fish, waterfowl, seabirds, and seal pups. While it is not at the top of the food chain, the arctic fox must beware of predators like polar bears, golden eagles, wolves, and grizzly bears.
These cunning creatures can be found in parts of Alaska and Canada in North America.
The Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis)
At the other end of the spectrum from the arctic fox is the kit fox. As the smallest fox species in North America, they typically weigh 4 to 6 pounds and stand about a foot tall at the shoulder.
They are known for their speed and agility, making them difficult to catch. Kit foxes are mostly found in the plains and desert regions of the United States, preferring dry, brushy areas.
One interesting fact about kit foxes is that while most fox cubs leave their mothers after a few months, kit foxes stay with their mothers for an entire year. This is likely due to the fact that it takes longer for them to reach maturity and learn how to survive on their own.
Despite their small size, kit foxes play an important role in their ecosystems.
What Kind of Danger Foxes Pose To Your Property?
If you live in an area with a lot of foxes, you may be wondering what kind of danger they pose to your property.
While foxes are generally not aggressive towards humans, they can be a nuisance if they decide to take up residence on your property. Foxes are known for digging holes in lawns and gardens, which can damage plant life and make it difficult to grow new vegetation.
In addition, foxes will often eat small animals such as rabbits and rodents, which can wreak havoc on your property if left unchecked. If you’re concerned about the potential damage that foxes could cause to your property, it’s important to take steps to keep them away.
Fencing off your garden or yard is one way to deter foxes, as is keeping pet food and garbage securely locked up.
By taking some simple precautions, you can help to keep foxes off your property and avoid any potential damage.
Summary
As we’ve seen, there are quite a few different types of foxes in North America. While they may all look similar to the untrained eye, each type has its own unique set of characteristics and habits that make it special.
Whether you’re into camping, hiking, or you’ve seen some on your property and just want to learn more about these fascinating creatures, now you know how to identify the five most common types of foxes in North America.
