Where do they live? Out of all 12 fox species worldwide, the red fox is
the animal that is capable of surviving almost everywhere – forests, meadows,
mountainous areas, desert-like areas, on glaciers and even in cities. Red fox
can adapt to life in the most varied environments and areas.
How
do they live? Foxes are sedentary species residing in monogamous couples,
as well as in families (one male + two to five females, or a female together
with other females - helpers that do not reproduce themselves) and separately
alone. Each fox has their own territory, where they use several holes. If there
are no free holes or holes to be taken from other animals, the fox has to dig
them themselves. It is not uncommon to see an approximately two-metre long,
roundish hillock, which has developed as a result of spring cleaning by the
owner of the hole. Old bones and leftovers of food can be found next to the
home of a fox.
Generally red foxes are mainly active at night and dusk, however, if they feel safe,
hungry or just bored, they can be observed during the day as well. Foxes are
known for their positive contribution in the control of small rodents, thus
serving as hygienists of the forest.
What
do they eat? Foxes use up to 300 animal species as food, predominantly rodents, birds
nesting on the ground and their eggs, hares, poultry, various insects and other
invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and plant-based food. It is not uncommon
for them to go for roe deer fawns and unattended bowls of cat (and dog) food.
Did you know?
- The
red fox is the largest and best known of all fox species.
- Red
fox is the second most widespread terrestrial mammal in the world.
- There
are 45 subspecies of red fox.
- Among
all predator species, red fox has the largest geographical distribution area.
- Foxes
are able to adapt and survive in different environments and conditions.
- Foxes
have been introduced to Australia and the Falkland Islands.
- Imports
of foxes into New Zealand is prohibited by law.
- The
rich and long tail of foxes serves as a rudder and helps in keeping the
balance, while running, swimming or suddenly changing direction.
- The
colour of red fox fur is not always explicitly red. It can vary in various
shades of colour.
- Foxes
have excellent hearing – they can hear a squeaking mouse from a distance of 140
metres.
- If
required, foxes are good swimmers.
- Foxes
are highly susceptible to scabies and rabies - can serve as a vector for the
spread of these diseases.
- If
required, foxes can run up low branches of the trees.
- Foxes
can jump over obstacles that are up to two metres high.
- Foxes
are able to produce a variety of sounds, including barking like dogs.
- The
menu of foxes is very wide, it consists of meat, plant food, berries, bird
eggs, invertebrates and other things.
- Foxes
are popular game animals (for instance, for the purposes of furs, as well as
control of parasites and diseases).
- Foxes
do not chew their food. It is divided into small chunks that are easy to
swallow.
- Foxes
are alleged to be able to sense the magnetic field of the Earth.
- Foxes
can reach a speed of 50 km/h, while running.
- The
name of the popular dance foxtrot has originated from the characteristic
“dance” of a red fox couple (a game, when both individuals stand on their hind
legs).
- Foxes
have certain similarities with felids, for instance, partially retractile claws
and vertical eye pupils.
- A
domesticated form of red fox has been developed in Russia.
- Several
cultures associate foxes with trickery, wisdom, quick thinking, adaptation
capacity and agility.
- In
Latvian folklore, foxes are clever and cunning, but they also have the
reputation of selfish pranksters.
- In
several languages, the origin of the name of fox species is associated with the
large and furry tail of the animal.
There is one red fox at Līgatne Nature Trails.
Līgatne Nature Trails