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Fox (Kit)

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Vulpes macrotis
Fox (Kit)

Range

They are found in western North America and south into Mexico.

Habitat

They live in open prairie, plains and desert areas.

Body Traits

They are one of the smallest foxes in North and South America. They are tan to rust colored, and lighter underneath. They have very large ears that help cool them. They do this at night when the air is cold and blood circulating through the ears is cooled by the night air. They have long legs and a bushy tail with a black tip, which, like all foxes, they carry straight out behind them when they travel.

Habits

They are active mostly at night when temperatures are cooler (nocturnal). They can run up to 25 mph (40 km/h).

Diet

They eat rabbits, hares, mice, small birds, lizards, insects, plants, fruit and dead animals.

Predators

They are hunted by coyotes, red fox, dogs, bobcats, and hawks.

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District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

Reproduction

Females are pregnant for 8 weeks (gestation) have up to 7 young.

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

They can live up to 6 years in the wild. They are listed as endangered.

Fox (Kit)

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Caniformia
Family: Canidae
Genus: Vulpes
Species: Vulpes macrotis

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