Red foxes

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a member of the dog family known for its orange-red coat, bushy white-tipped tail and black "stockinged" legs. Coat colour varies by region, from pale yellow to deep red and even silver or black.

Where does it live?

It lives across much of the Northern Hemisphere: Europe, Asia, North America and North Africa. People also introduced it to Australia. It adapts to very different habitats, from forests and farmland to mountains and city parks. It is found almost everywhere in Türkiye.

What does it eat?

It is an omnivore. Small rodents such as mice and voles are its main prey; it also eats rabbits, birds, insects, earthworms, fruit and carrion. In towns it may also feed on rubbish and food scraps left by people.

Behaviour and social life

Foxes usually hunt alone but live as pairs and families during the breeding season. They are most active at dusk and at night. Their hearing is excellent: they can locate a mouse moving under snow or grass by sound and leap high to pounce on it.

Cubs

In spring, the female usually gives birth to 4–6 cubs in a den. Both parents help feed the cubs, and sometimes females from previous years help too.

Conservation status

The red fox is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. It is widespread and highly adaptable. In places where it was introduced, such as Australia, it is a serious threat to native wildlife.

Fun facts

• Foxes may use the Earth's magnetic field to aim their pounces; this is still being studied.
• In the cold, the tail is wrapped around the body like a blanket while sleeping.
• Urban foxes adapt to human routines and mostly move around at night.