Vulpes macrotis
Range
They are found in western United States 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 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.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.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Suborder: Caniformia
- Family: Canidae
- Genus: Vulpes
- Species: Vulpes macrotis