Red Fox  Vulpes fulva
Identification: Head and body 22-25 in.; tail 14-16 in; wt. 10-15 lb. Appearance of small dog; normally reddish yellow, darkest on back; belly white; bushy tail mixed with black hairs and tipped with white; legs and feet black. There are many color variations : cross, with dark area (cross) over shoulders and down middle of back; black phase (silver), black with white-tipped body hairs and white tip on tail; intermediates between these. Skull has 42 teeth.

Habitat: Mixture of forest and open country preferred.

Habits: Most active at night, early morning, and late evening; often active during day. Food consists of available animals ranging in size from insects to hares; berries and other fruits round out diet; often caches rabbits, mice, or other animals near trails, especially when there is a cover of snow. Male brings food to vixen for a few days after pups are born; later both bring food to young in den; usually have one or more spare dens so pups may be moved on short notice if home den is disturbed; dens normally on slopes in porous soil. Home range, 1 to 2 sq. mi., but often travels greater distances, especially in winter. Known to have moved 126 mi. from birth den. Male and female probably mate for the year.

Young: born March or April, depending on latitude; 4-9; gestation period about 51 days; 1 litter a year. Dark brown with white tip on tail; eyes closed. Pups remain in den for about a month, then come to entrance to play and feed; leave parents in fall and shift for themselves.

Economic status: In much of its range to Red Fox has a bounty on its head. Whether it is beneficial or harmful depends on circumstances. If it kills a few pheasants, grouse, or rabbits, the hunter will consider it harmful, but if it kills hundreds of mice and rats the farmer might consider it beneficial. Many sportsman enjoy hunting the fox when other seasons are closed. Actually foxes do more good than harm, as shown by many food studies.  May be seen in most parks within its range.