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The red fox is a member of the canid family, which also includes wolves, coyotes, and domestic dogs. They have a very keen sense of smell, excellent hearing, and good vision. Red fox can run at speeds of 30 miles per hour and are good swimmers.

In captivity, red fox live roughly 12 years; however, three to four years is the average life expectancy for wild foxes. Adult red fox have very few natural enemies. Predators include coyotes, eagles, great-horned owls, bobcats, and mountain lions. Hunting, motor vehicle fatalities, and diseases such as rabies, mange, and canine distemper also contribute to their mortality.
Red fox are beautiful animals and can make for an enjoyable watchable wildlife experience.

Physical Appearance

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Red fox are similar in appearance to a small, slender dog. Adults weigh 8-15 pounds and are roughly 3-4 feet long including the tail. They have an elongated muzzle and pointed ears that are typically held erect. Despite the name, red fox are not always red. They have genetic variations resulting in four recognized color phases: red, cross, silver and black. The red color phase is the most common observed in wild red fox, with all other phases being fairly rare. In all color phases, red fox have a characteristic white-tipped tail.

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Sightings are the most obvious way to know that fox are in the area, but the presence of scat, tracks, and hair are also good clues.

Red fox have chevron-shaped heel pads that distinguish them from other canids, and unlike most other canine species, red fox grow large amounts of fur between their toes. Occasionally their feet are covered with so much fur that individual toe pads in tracks can be completely obscured.

Red fox have a musk gland located near the base of their tail. This gland contributes to their strong musty urine odor, which can sometimes be detected in areas where fox activity is high.

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Red fox are very vocal, especially during the breeding season. The most commonly misinterpreted sounds produced by red fox are screeching yowls that are often reported as a domestic cat fight or a mountain lion screaming. Barking and yipping are also common, especially if pups are present. Although fox do howl, the sound is quite different from coyote and wolf howling.

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Red fox can be found in most habitats in Colorado. They are common in open woodlands, pasturelands, riparian areas, and agricultural lands. Red fox can also be successful urban dwellers and often do well on the margins of urbanized areas.

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A typical home range for a red fox is five to ten square miles depending on food availability. Males tend to travel farther than females, but juveniles dispersing from their parents will often travel the farthest. Adult red fox will typically stay within a mile of their den while they are raising pups.

Red fox may be active any time, day, or night, but are most active at dawn and dusk.

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Red fox are opportunistic omnivores and are skilled predators and scavengers. They will kill and eat ground nesting birds and their eggs, as well as a wide variety of small mammals, insects, amphibians, fish, crawdads, and earthworms. Fruits, berries, nuts, carrion, and garbage are also part of their varied diets.

Next: Mating and Breeding, Birth to Maturity