18 Interesting Facts About Foxes You Never Knew
Foxes, with their sharp eyes and bushy tails, are as mysterious as they are mesmerizing. These clever creatures roam the wilderness and even our urban areas, making their presence known with a swift dash across the road or a fleeting shadow in the moonlight. But how much do we really know about them?
In this article, we delve into some fascinating facts about foxes, shedding light on their habits, communication, and survival skills. Join us as we explore the hidden lives of one of nature’s most adaptable animals.
18 Interesting Facts About Foxes
1. Foxes Have Excellent Night Vision
Foxes are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. Their eyes are specially adapted to low-light conditions, allowing them to spot prey even in the dark. The vertical slit of a fox’s pupils helps to maximize the available light, enhancing their ability to see clearly when hunting after sundown.
2. Foxes Use Earth’s Magnetic Field
One of the most fascinating aspects of fox behavior is their hunting technique, which involves using the Earth’s magnetic field as a guide. Studies have shown that foxes observe a ‘ring of shadow’ on the ground that is centered on magnetic north. When this shadow aligns with the sound of prey, the fox will pounce in a tight curve to catch its meal, demonstrating an incredible use of natural geomagnetic forces.
3. Foxes Can Make Over 40 Sounds
Foxes are among the most vocal of all wild animals, capable of making more than 40 different sounds to communicate with each other. These sounds range from a quick series of barks to indicate excitement or danger, to high-pitched howls for long-distance communication. The infamous “scream” of the red fox, often heard during the mating season, can be particularly eerie and is sometimes mistaken for human distress.
4. Foxes Are Solitary
Unlike wolves and dogs, foxes do not live or hunt in packs. They are solitary creatures, spending the majority of their time alone except during mating season or when raising cubs. This solitary nature means that a fox must rely on its own cunning to find food and avoid predators, rather than depending on the strength and safety of a group.
5. Foxes Have Whiskers on Their Legs
Foxes possess whiskers not only on their faces but also on their wrists. These whiskers, or vibrissae, are highly sensitive tactile hairs that help foxes navigate their environment. They can detect subtle changes in air currents, assisting in locating objects around them in the dark, which is crucial for a nocturnal hunter like the fox.
6. The Red Fox Is the Most Common
The red fox is the most widespread and recognizable of all fox species. Known for its bright red coat and bushy tail, it has adapted to a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, mountains, and even urban areas. The adaptability of the red fox has allowed it to thrive across the entire Northern Hemisphere, from the Arctic Circle to North Africa, North America, and Eurasia.
7. A Group of Foxes is Called a Skulk or Leash
While it is rare to see foxes together due to their solitary nature, a group of foxes is referred to as a “skulk” or “leash.” These terms are most often used when foxes gather during mating season or when a mother is raising her kits. The collective nouns capture the elusive and stealthy nature of these animals, reflecting their tendency to remain hidden from view.
8. Foxes Can Live in the City
Urban foxes are a common sight in many large cities around the world, including London, Tokyo, and Sydney. These adaptable creatures have learned to thrive in urban environments, exploiting the plentiful resources such as food scraps and shelter provided by human habitation.
Urban foxes often display behaviors distinct from their rural counterparts, showing less fear of humans and a greater ability to navigate complex landscapes like fenced yards and busy streets.
9. Foxes’ Tails Serve Multiple Purposes
A fox’s tail, known as a “brush,” is not just a beautiful accessory. It serves several crucial functions: balance, warmth, and communication. The tail helps maintain balance while navigating uneven terrain or when chasing prey. During cold weather, foxes often curl up with their tails wrapped around them for warmth.
Additionally, tail movements can communicate mood and intentions to other foxes. For example, a relaxed tail might indicate that a fox is at ease, while aggressive flicks could signal a warning to rivals or threats.
10. Baby Foxes Are Called Kits
Fox cubs, also known as kits, are born blind and don’t open their eyes until about two weeks after birth. These young foxes depend heavily on their mother for warmth and nutrition in their early days.
Kits are playful and curious as they grow, developing the skills they’ll need for hunting and survival through games and mock fights with their siblings. This crucial developmental stage sets the foundation for their solitary life ahead.
11. Foxes Are Good Parents
Both fox parents play roles in raising their young, though the mother fox (vixen) usually takes on the primary caregiving tasks while the male (dog fox) provides food. Fox parents are attentive and protective, teaching their kits survival skills such as foraging and hunting. After about seven months, the young foxes are ready to venture out on their own, but they often stay close to their birth territory.
12. Foxes Can Climb Trees
Some species of foxes, like the gray fox, are adept climbers that can ascend trees to escape predators or to hunt for birds and insects. These foxes have strong, hooked claws that allow them to grip the bark and branches effectively. Tree-climbing abilities are relatively rare among canids, making these foxes uniquely equipped to exploit resources in the arboreal niche as well as on the ground.
13. Foxes Use the Earth’s Gravity as a Hunting Aid
Studies suggest that foxes are more successful at hunting when they jump in a northeast direction. This unique behavior might be related to their ability to use the Earth’s magnetic field as a sort of range-finder to locate and capture prey with remarkable precision.
14. The Arctic Fox’s Coat Changes With the Seasons
The Arctic fox is known for its incredible adaptability to cold climates, part of which is due to its fur that changes color with the seasons. In winter, it sports a white coat to blend in with the snow, while in summer, the coat turns brown or gray to match the tundra’s rocks and plants, providing effective camouflage from predators.
15. Foxes Are Opportunistic Eaters
While generally considered carnivorous, foxes are actually omnivorous and will eat practically anything available. Their diet can include fruits, vegetables, fish, frogs, and even worms. This opportunistic eating habit helps foxes adapt to a wide range of environments, from rural to heavily urbanized areas.
16. Foxes Can Swim
Foxes are capable swimmers, a trait not widely recognized. They will swim across rivers or streams when searching for food, escaping predators, or exploring new territories. This ability is another testament to their adaptability and survival skills.
17. Fox Laughter
When playing or in particularly happy moments, foxes can make a sound that resembles human laughter. This “laughter” is thought to be a form of communication related to their contentment and is most often heard during play among cubs or social interactions within families.
18. Foxes Have Excellent Memory
Foxes are known for their remarkable memory, which is critical for survival. They cache excess food and are able to remember their numerous hiding places. This ability ensures they have food stored away for times when hunting is not successful or during harsh weather conditions.
