Species: Urocyon cinereoargenteus = Gray fox. Photo of a gray fox - behavior of a gray fox Wood fox

How often do you see a fox in a tree? But the gray or tree fox (lat. Urocyon cinereoargenteus) simply loves to jump from branch to branch. In this she is helped by strong long claws, with which she clings to the trunk, and, of course, dexterity. Gray fox She loves being on high ground so much that she even makes a den for herself in the hollows of trees if she has the opportunity.

She lives in North and Central America. True, getting into the cold northern regions in no hurry - her undercoat is not able to protect her owner from severe frosts. But the tree fox’s tail is so gorgeous that even the recognized beauty of the red fox may well envy her.

The gray fox is slightly smaller than its red relative: its height at the withers is only 30-40 cm, and its weight does not exceed 7 kg (on average 3.5-6 kg). She has a dense build and relatively short legs. The tail in cross section has the shape of a triangle, and not a circle, like other canines.

Her upper body is usually dark gray or gray with small silver inclusions. The neck, chest and belly are whitish-gray, the rest of the body is reddish in color. The dark brown nose of the chanterelle is decorated with a white spot. A black stripe stretches from the nose to the eyes, which goes further back - through the sides of the head to the back of the head. The silver fluffy tail is shaded by a black line running from its base to its tip.

The gray fox prefers bushes, forests and forest edges, although sometimes it settles near cities or on agricultural land. It feeds on small mammals, birds and their eggs, as well as insects, carrion, some fruits, fruits and nuts. This is one of the few representatives of the canine family that haunts squirrels, hunting them and destroying their babies.

Gray foxes live in pairs. Partners are faithful to each other and take care of the offspring together. The den is located in tree hollows, rock crevices or in spacious burrows of others. Sometimes they are found in abandoned buildings or in voids under stones and fallen trees. And in the eastern part of Texas, a hollow was once discovered at a height of 10 m, used by a fox for rest. So she's definitely not afraid of heights.

The male in a pair not only takes care of his partner and offspring, but also protects the territory from uninvited guests. The area of ​​the family plot ranges from 3 to 27 square meters. km. As a rule, its size depends on the amount of food. Sometimes the habitats of different families partially overlap. But lonely males do not tolerate anyone on their site except females.

The gray fox is considered a widespread species that is not yet in danger of extinction.

Fox (fox) ( Vulpes) - This carnivorous mammal, belongs to the order Carnivora, family Canidae. Latin name The genus of fox apparently comes from distorted words: the Latin “lupus” and the German “Wolf”, translated as “wolf”. In the Old Church Slavonic language, the adjective “fox” corresponded to the definition of yellowish, red and yellowish-orange color, characteristic of the color of the widespread common fox.

Fox (fox): description, characteristics, photo

Depending on the species, the size of the fox varies from 18 cm (for the fennec) to 90 cm, and the weight of the fox ranges from 0.7 kg (for the fennec) to 10 kg. Foxes have a characteristic generic sign– a slender, elongated body with rather short limbs, a slightly elongated muzzle and tail.

The fluffy tail of a fox serves as a kind of stabilizer while running, and in winter cold it is used for additional protection from frost.

The length of a fox's tail depends on the species. It reaches 20-30 cm. The length of the common fox's tail is 40-60 cm.

Foxes rely more on touch and smell than sight. They have a sensitive sense of smell and excellent hearing.

Their ears are quite large, triangular, slightly elongated, with a sharp tip. The largest ears are those of the fennec fox (up to 15 cm in height) and the bat-eared fox (up to 13 cm in height).

The vision of animals, adapted for a nocturnal lifestyle, allows representatives of the genus to respond perfectly to movement, however, the structure of the fox's eye with vertical pupils is not adapted for color recognition.

A fox has a total of 42 teeth, except for the bat-eared fox, which grows 48 teeth.

The thickness and length of the hair of these predators depends on the time of year and climatic conditions. IN winter time and in areas with harsh weather conditions The fox's fur becomes thick and lush; in summer, the splendor and length of the fur decreases.

The color of a fox can be sandy, red, yellowish, brown with black or white markings. In some species, the fur color can be almost white or black-brown. IN northern latitudes foxes are larger and have a lighter color, in southern countries The color of the fox is duller, and the size of the animal is smaller.

When chasing a victim or in case of danger, a fox can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h. During mating season foxes can make barking sounds.

The lifespan of a fox in natural conditions ranges from 3 to 10 years, but in captivity the fox lives up to 25 years of age.

Classification of foxes

In the canine family (wolf, canine), there are several genera, which include different types foxes:

• Maikongi ( Cerdocyon)
  • Maikong, savannah fox ( Cerdocyon thous)
• Small foxes ( Atelocynus)
  • Small fox ( Atelocynus microtis)
• Big-eared foxes ( Otocyon)
  • Big-eared fox ( Otocyon megalotis)
• South American foxes ( Lycalopex)
  • Andean fox ( Lycalopex culpaeus)
  • South American fox ( Lycalopex griseus)
  • Darwin's fox ( Lycalopex fulvipes)
  • Paraguayan fox ( Lycalopex gymnocercus)
  • Brazilian fox ( Lycalopex vetulus)
  • Sekuran fox ( Lycalopex sechurae)
• Gray foxes ( Urocyon)
  • Gray fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
  • Island fox ( Urocyon littoralis)
• Foxes ( Vulpes)
  • Common or red fox ( Vulpes vulpes)
  • American fox ( Vulpes macrotis)
  • Afghan fox ( Vulpes cana)
  • African fox ( Vulpes pallida)
  • Bengal fox (Indian) ( Vulpes bengalensis)
  • Corsac, steppe fox ( Vulpes corsac)
  • American corsac ( Vulpes velox)
  • Sand fox ( Vulpes rueppelli)
  • Tibetan fox ( Vulpes ferrilata)
  • Fennec ( Vulpes zerda, Fennecus zerda)
  • South African fox ( Vulpes chama)

Types of foxes, names and photographs

Below is short description several varieties of foxes:

• Common fox (red fox) ( Vulpes vulpes)

Most major representative kind of foxes. The weight of the fox reaches 10 kilograms, and the length of the body including the tail is 150 cm. Depending on the area of ​​residence, the color of the fox may vary slightly in tonal saturation, but the main color of the back and sides remains bright red, and the belly is white. Black “stockings” are clearly visible on the legs. A characteristic feature serves as a white tip of the tail and dark, almost black ears.

Habitat includes all of Europe, territory North Africa, Asia (from India to Southern China), North America and Australia.

Representatives of this species of foxes happily eat field foxes and young roe deer; when the opportunity arises, they destroy the nests of geese and wood grouse, and feed on carrion and insect larvae. Surprisingly, the red fox is a fierce destroyer of oat crops: in the absence of a meat menu, it attacks cereal farmland, causing damage to it.

• American fox (Vulpes macrotis )

A medium-sized predatory mammal. The body length of a fox varies from 37 cm to 50 cm, the tail reaches a length of 32 cm, the weight of an adult fox ranges from 1.9 kg (for a female) to 2.2 kg (for a male). The back of the animal is colored yellowish-gray or whitish, and the sides are yellowish-brown. Distinctive features This type of foxes have a white belly and a black tip of the tail. Side surface muzzles and sensitive whiskers are dark brown or black. The length of the fur hairs does not exceed 50 mm.

The fox lives in the southwestern deserts of the United States and north of Mexico, feeding on hares and rodents (kangaroo hoppers).

• Afghan fox (Bukhara, Balochistan fox)(Vulpes cana )

A small animal belonging to the Canidae family. The length of the fox does not exceed 0.5 meters. The length of the tail is 33-41 cm. The weight of the fox ranges from 1.5-3 kilograms. The Bukhara fox differs from other types of foxes in its rather large ears, the height of which reaches 9 cm, and dark stripes running from the upper lip to the corners of the eyes. In winter, the color of the fox's fur on the back and sides becomes a rich brownish-gray color with individual black guard hairs. In summer, its intensity decreases, but the whitish color of the throat, chest and belly remains unchanged. The Afghan fox has no hairline, protecting other desert foxes from the hot sand.

The main habitat of the fox is the east of Iran, the territory of Afghanistan and Hindustan. Less common in Egypt, Turkmenistan, UAE, Pakistan. The Afghan fox is an omnivore. He eats mice with gusto and does not refuse the vegetarian menu.

• African fox(Vulpes pallida)

Has an external resemblance to a red fox ( Vulpes vulpes), but has a more modest size. The total length of the fox's body including the tail does not exceed 70-75 cm, and the weight rarely reaches 3.5-3.6 kg. Unlike common fox, her African relative has more long legs and ears. The color of the back, legs and tail with a black tip is red with brown tint, and the muzzle and belly are white. A black rim is clearly visible around the eyes of adult individuals, and a strip of dark-colored fur runs along the ridge.

The African fox lives in African countries - it can often be seen in Senegal, Sudan and Somalia. The fox's food consists of both animals (small rodents) and plant components.

• Bengal fox (Indian fox)(Vulpes bengalensis )

This type of fox is characterized by medium size. The height of adult individuals at the withers does not exceed 28-30 cm, the weight of the fox ranges from 1.8 to 3.2 kg, and the maximum body length reaches 60 cm. The length of the fox's tail with a black tip rarely reaches 28 cm. Wool, which forms the hairline , short and smooth. It is colored in various shades of sandy brown or reddish brown.

The animal lives in the foothills of the Himalayas and thrives in India and in Bangladesh and Nepal. The Indian fox's menu always includes sweet fruits, but preference is given to lizards, bird eggs, mice, and insects.

• Corsac fox, steppe fox(Vulpes corsac )

It bears a vague resemblance to the common fox, however, unlike it, representatives of this type of fox have a shorter pointed muzzle, large wide ears and longer legs. The body length of an adult corsac is 0.5-0.6 m, and the weight of a fox ranges from 4 to 6 kg. The color of the back, sides and tail of the fox is gray, sometimes with a red or red tint, and the color of the belly is yellowish or white. Characteristic feature This species is characterized by a light coloration of the chin and lower lip, as well as a dark brown or black color of the tip of the tail.

The steppe fox lives in many countries: from southeastern Europe to Asia, including Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan. Often found in the Caucasus and the Urals, lives on the Don and in the lower Volga region.

Steppe foxes feed on rodents (voles, jerboas, mice), destroy nests, hunting for bird eggs, and sometimes attack hares. Plant foods in the diet steppe fox Hardly ever.

• American corsac fox, dwarf agile fox, prairie fox(Vulpes velox )

A small fox with a body length from 37 to 53 cm and a weight from 2 to 3 kg. The height of the animal at the withers rarely reaches 0.3 m, and the length of the tail is 35 cm. The characteristic light gray color of the thick short fox fur on the sides and back is summer period acquires a pronounced red tint with red-ocher markings. The fox's throat and belly are lighter in color. Also characteristic of the American Corsac are the black markings located on both sides of the sensitive nose and the dark tip of the tail.

The dwarf fox lives in areas of plains and semi-deserts and has practically no territorial attachment.

The fox feeds on mice, loves to feast on locusts and will not refuse the carrion left over from the prey of more seasoned predators.

• sand fox(Vulpes rueppelli )

The animal has characteristically large, wide ears and paws, the pads of which are protected from the hot sand by a thick coat of fur. Unlike most of their relatives, representatives of this species of fox have well-developed not only hearing and smell, but also vision. The pale brown color of the back, tail and sides with individual white guard hairs serves as a good camouflage color for the fox in sandy and stone placers in its habitat. The weight of adult animals rarely reaches 3.5-3.6 kg, and the length of the fox’s body including the tail does not exceed 85-90 cm.

The sand fox lives in desert areas. Numerous populations are found in the sands of the Sahara Desert - from Morocco and sultry Egypt to Somalia and Tunisia.

The sand fox's diet is not very diverse, which is due to its habitat. The fox's food includes lizards, jerboas and mice, which the animal is absolutely not afraid of and deftly absorbs.

• Tibetan fox(Vulpes ferrilata )

The animal grows to a size of 60-70 cm and weighs about 5 kg. The rusty-brown or fiery red color of the back, gradually turning into the light gray color of the sides and white belly, creates the impression of stripes running along the body of the fox. Fox fur is dense and longer than other species.

The fox lives on the territory of the Tibetan plateau, and is less common in northern India, Nepal, and some provinces of China.

The food of the Tibetan fox is varied, but its basis is pikas (hay stands), although the fox happily catches mice and hares, does not disdain birds and their eggs, and eats lizards and sweet berries.

• Fennec ( Vulpes zerda)

This is the smallest fox in the world. The height of adult animals at the withers is only 18-22 cm with a body length of about 40 cm and a weight of up to 1.5 kg. The fennec fox has the largest ears among the representatives of the genus. The length of the ears reaches 15 cm. The surface of the pads on the fox's paws is pubescent, which allows the animal to calmly move along the hot sand. The belly of the animal is colored White color, and the back and sides are in various shades of red or fawn. The tip of the fox's fluffy tail is black. Unlike other relatives, who make sounds out of necessity, foxes of this species often communicate with each other using barking, growling, and howling sounds.

Fennec foxes live mainly in the central Sahara, but this fox can often be seen in Morocco, the Sinai and Arabian Peninsulas, near Lake Chad and in Sudan.

Fennec fox is an omnivorous fox: it hunts rodents and small birds, eats locusts and lizards, will not refuse the roots of plants and their sweet fruits.

• South African fox ( Vulpes chama)

A fairly large animal with a weight of 3.5 to 5 kg and a body length of 45 to 60 cm. The length of the tail is 30-40 cm. The color of the fox varies from gray with a silver tint to almost black on the back and gray with a yellowish tint on the belly.

The fox lives exclusively in countries South Africa, especially large populations are found in Angola and Zimbabwe.

Omnivorous species: food includes small rodents, lizards, low-nesting birds and their eggs, carrion and even food waste, which the animal looks for when entering private yards or landfills.

• Maikong, savannah fox, crabeater fox ( Cerdocyon thous)

The species has a body length of 60 to 70 cm, the fox's tail reaches 30 cm, and the fox weighs 5-8 kg. The height of the maikong at the withers is 50 cm. The color is brown-gray with brown spots on the muzzle and paws. The color of the throat and belly may be grey, white or various shades of yellow. The tips of the fox's ears and tail are black. The legs of the maikong are short and strong, the tail is fluffy and long. The weight of an adult maikong reaches 4.5-7.7 kg. The body length is approximately 64.3 cm, the tail length is 28.5 cm.

• Big-eared fox ( Otocyon megalotis)

The animal has disproportionately large ears, reaching 13 cm in height. The fox's body length reaches 45-65 cm, the tail length is 25-35 cm. The fox's weight varies between 3-5.3 kg. The hind legs of the animal have 4 fingers, the front legs are five-toed. The color of the animal is usually gray-yellow with brown, gray or yellow spots. The belly and throat of the fox have a lighter shade. The tips of the paws and ears are dark, there is a black stripe on the tail, and the same stripe is on the fox’s face. This species of fox differs from other species by the presence of 48 teeth (other representatives of the genus have only 42 teeth).

The fox lives in southern and eastern Africa: Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, South Africa.

The fox's main food is termites, beetles and locusts. Sometimes the animal feeds on bird eggs, lizards, small rodents, plant foods y.

The distribution range of foxes includes all of Europe, the African continent, North America, Australia and a large part of Asia. The fox lives in the forests and groves of Italy and Portugal, Spain and France, in the steppe and forest-steppe regions of Russia and Ukraine, Poland and Bulgaria, desert and mountainous regions of Egypt and Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, Mexico and the United States of America. Foxes feel at ease in the fertile climate of India, Pakistan and China, as well as the harsh conditions of the Arctic and Alaska.

Under natural conditions, foxes live in ravines and ravines overgrown with vegetation, forests or plantings interspersed with fields, in desert and highland areas. Burrows of other animals or those dug themselves are often used as shelter. Burrows can be either simple or with complex system passages and emergency exits. Foxes can hide in caves, rock crevices, and also in tree hollows. They can easily survive spending the night in the open air. The animal easily adapts to life in cultivated landscapes. Fox populations were observed even in park areas of large cities.

Almost all members of the family are active night look life, however, foxes often go hunting during the daytime.

The weather outside was not the best. The rain drizzled slowly, as if prolonging the pleasure for itself, spoiling people's mood. Along with the rain, snow-white snowflakes sometimes swirled, creating a white wall, thereby slowing down the endless running of cars. Even despite such inclement weather, people walked in the streets caring parents with your kids. Someone drew inscriptions and hearts with a long stick on the wet snow surface, someone pushed their newborn children in strollers. Frankly, this picture is very nice, but not for Fox, he sighed on the bed, looking at the ceiling and dreaming of something completely different... his light gray hair, with a tint of silver, was spread out on the pillow, some long strands lying on sharp The boy’s shoulders were already dark from shed tears, his gray-green eyes, the color of dusty pine needles, either opened wide, or, on the contrary, covered themselves, one might even say, squinted. The eyes, wet from shed tears, were already red and slightly swollen, making the boy’s handsome face burst into tears. The doorbell rings and this whole picture disappears. The fox tries to put on colorful shorts and a T-shirt as quickly as possible; already as he runs, he wipes his cherry eyes, not forgetting to straighten his bangs that cover his eyes. The doorbell rang again, more insistently than last time, hitting the doorframe with his foot and quietly swearing, the boy flew up to the door. Hastily opening the door, he stepped back slightly, not expecting to see someone he didn’t want to see especially now. The fluffy ash tail, crowned with a white tassel, trembled gently, and a quiet growl, one might say, even a hiss, was born in the throat. - Long time no see, Little Fox. - the yellow-eyed guy purred, narrowing his eyes predatorily, almost a head taller than poor Fox. The guest really was tall, like a tower. The hair of this creature was shoulder-length, and the color was similar to wet asphalt, which we often see after heavy rain. The eyes, vaguely reminiscent of a cat, were especially attractive, the honey-yellow shine did not bode well, like a predator waiting for his stupid prey to come closer, but he always had that look, regardless of the situation, so what can you do, such a shape of the eyes . - Hmm, what do you need, Klee-e-n? - with some disgust, stretching out the syllables, the fair-haired boy mumbled something, wrapping his arms around himself. Still, he was not like that, do not kick out, even an unwanted guest. The little fox stepped aside, letting the guest into the apartment, and he urgently went to the bathroom to put himself in order and finally calm down, this will help not only him, but also the interlocutor in communication. Indeed, let him cry in front of his eyes loved one, I didn’t want to at all, although all the tears were because of him. - You also remained a cute little fox. - Having already tamed his ardor, Maple said, despite the fact that this subject had a different name, but they agreed this way with the Little Fox, who also has a different name. - You scare me...You, too, remained the same grumpy ball. - the Fox purred, smiling, sitting down next to the guest. Although the situation seemed so peaceful, still, through this “shell” of lies and smiles, it was felt like it was heated to the point of pain. They wanted to talk, they had wanted to for a long time, but all attempts ended in disagreements and loud yelling with assault, so then they didn’t communicate for a month, or even more. “Forgive me, I shouldn’t have done that... forgive me, my little one...” the guy’s voice trembled and he already wanted to get up from his seat and leave, not seeing anything at all in the eyes of his wonderful Little Fox, but he was stopped and firmly They pulled him close, hugging him as much as possible. “I’ll forgive you, but only if I’m the only light for you, and you don’t leave me to the mercy of fate... I just can’t survive this...” the fair-haired boy whispered quietly in the ear of the one he loved no matter what , the one for whom she shed tears at night, but continued to be faithful only to him. - I won’t let you go anywhere... I love you more than anyone in the world... Wo Ai Ni... - Maple whispered tenderly into his baby’s ear. - Wo Ai Ni... - quietly answering in response, the Little Fox remained in the arms of his beloved miracle. How long they stood like that, it’s unlikely that anyone will answer such a question for you, but they, hugging each other, afraid to say a word, stood and simply enjoyed each other’s company without unnecessary words, which would be inappropriate here.

Description

Small gray fox. Around the dark brown nose, the fur is “colored” with a white spot, the main color is reddish-brown, the sides, neck and paws of the gray fox are covered with fur of this color. The belly area is covered with white fur. Also characteristic is a black line stretching from the base of the tail to its tip. Another distinctive feature there is another black line crossing the face from the nose to the eyes, then “going” back along the sides of the head. The height at the withers is 30-40 cm. The gray fox is very agile and dexterous for its family, it runs fast, and also knows how to climb trees (it is also called tree fox).

The gray fox has a dense build, with shorter paws compared to the red fox, so it is smaller in stature, but its long fluffy tail looks more luxurious than that of its rival, but its undercoat does not protect against the cold as well as that of red fox. Therefore, the gray fox cannot live in particularly cold climates.

Reproduction and population

Gray foxes are monogamous and live with a partner for the rest of their lives. After mating, in February, the mother can give birth to from 4 to 10 fox cubs, which are already 11 months old and leave their parents. Perhaps it was precisely because of this ability for fertility that this species was not on the verge of death. The annual extermination of the gray fox, for example, in Wisconsin, because of its soft fur, reduced the population size of the species by up to half.

Subspecies

• Urocyon cinereoargenteus borealis
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus californicus
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus colimensis
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus costaricensis
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus floridanus
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus fraterculus
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus furvus
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus guatemalae
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus madrensis
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus nigrirostris
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus ocythous
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus orinomus
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus peninsularis
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus scotti
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus townsendi
• Urocyon cinereoargenteus venezuelae

Gallery

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U. cinereoargenteus, drawing by J. G. Kjolemans, 1890

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Drawing of six species of the canid family, gray fox below, left

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U. cinereoargenteus, New Mexico

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U. cinereoargenteus, Minnesota

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U. cinereoargenteus, northern Florida

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U. cinereoargenteus at an altitude of 2.1 thousand meters in California

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Meeting the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes) with sulfur ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus)

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Notes

Excerpt characterizing the Gray Fox

Gray fox or tree fox - a representative of wolves, more often found in North America and in the northern part South America. When disappeared from Canada, it appeared in Southern Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec.

Appearance of a gray fox

The gray fox looks like a small dog with a beautiful fluffy tail. She is much smaller than brown foxes.

Appearance like common fox, only with a shorter muzzle and ears. Short, powerful legs have tenacious nails that allow them to climb trees and branches well. Has uneven coat color. The muzzle, back, sides and long fluffy tail are painted with gray or silver light. Red light spreads over the neck, sides of the head and torso. There is a white light below, the tip of the tail is painted black. The fur is short and coarse and covers the entire body of the fox. The fox's tail is of an unusual triangular shape.

Sixty-nine centimeters body length. Nine and a half centimeters head.
Weighing from two and a half to seven kg. The tail reaches forty centimeters.
In nature it lives for about six years, in zoos up to fifteen.

Gray fox habitat

The animal has fallen in love with forest thickets and can also be found at the edge of the forest and small copses. Likes to approach crop fields, sometimes found in the vicinity of villages and cities. She considers pine groves her home and makes a den in them. But it hunts in deciduous woody bushes, where there are more small mammals for food. Foxes live in holes, but rarely dig themselves; they usually find secluded places, sometimes use tree hollows, are settled between stones, and other people's holes.

They live a sedentary lifestyle. Animals love to drink clean water, so habitats are chosen closer to water. Well-trodden fox paths can be seen near the water.
When foxes see people, they bark, and in the forest they make other sounds similar to howls and whimpers.

Gray fox behavior

Because foxes love to climb trees, they are called tree foxes. When a stranger approaches or dangerous object, with a quick jump and tenacious claws, they cling to a hill, to fallen and small trees, and stumps located higher. Clinging with hooked claws, they can jump to another tree. Fox is held on a tree by strong powerful legs and strong claws, she can jump from a tree after prey.

In pursuit of prey or to hide from the enemy, it runs at speeds of up to seventeen kilometers, in short intervals. The tree serves as a shelter from the enemy, here she rests, but breeds offspring in burrows.

Foxes live in pairs, each family has its own land boundary. They mark territorial spaces with their urine and droppings. They've been prowling all summer family packs until the offspring grows up. Grown foxes move long distances from their mothers and subsequently look for mates. Area boundaries married couples reach large areas up to 27 square meters. The outskirts of neighboring territories often overlap.

Reproduction of gray foxes

Depending on where they live, they breed from December to April. At this time, the males fight among themselves for the female, the winner forms a pair with her. When the babies appear, the males show care and obtain food for the little foxes and defend their territory.

Before giving birth, the den is covered with dried leaves, grass, or small tree bark. The fox brings from two to seven babies. They are born blind and helpless, weighing no more than a hundred grams. They open their eyes on the tenth, fourteenth day. They suckle the mother for seven, nine weeks, then switch to solid food. There are a lot of fleas in the den, they eat the whole family. As soon as the puppies grow a little and can move independently, the fox moves to another place. Upon reaching three months taken away from breast milk. From three months old, babies are taught to hunt small animals.

Feeding of the gray fox

Basic food tree fox consists of plant foods. Among all wolves, this species is most prone to plant foods. It feeds on insects, mice, gophers, hares, birds and their eggs, and carrion. Enjoys fruits, bulbs and grains. He can catch a squirrel in a tree and eat it.

Representatives of the gray fox danger

The greatest danger to the gray fox is the hawk, golden eagle, big owls. They attack from above, the fox cannot cope with them. Red lynxes and dogs hunt small foxes.

Gray fox fur is not valued. That's why people don't hunt gray foxes. The State of Texas is Overcrowded gray foxes. Animals love to catch mice in farmers' crop fields, this helps in the fight against rodents. But often foxes become pests of farms, then they are caught in traps and shot.

Video about the gray fox