This week we are moving onto foxes which still fall under the wild dog banner, there are 12 true fox species and many other that are not considered true foxes. I think this because they have other non-fox genes in them.
Foxes and dogs are both members of the Canidae family, which is also known as the dog family.
Foxes are similar in appearance to dogs and coyotes, and share many other characteristics with other canids, such as their long muzzles, bushy tails, long legs and bone cracking flesh slicing teeth.
They are also similar to cats in some ways, such as being most active at night, having vertical pupils, they use a similar hunting style, and sometimes sleeping in trees.
Foxes are solitary scavengers that eat a variety of foods, including mice, voles, bird eggs, roadkill, wild fruits, vegetables, berries, and nuts. They are nocturnal predators that have evolved to see at night.
While it may be legal to keep a fox as a pet in some places, foxes are wild animals and should not be kept in the home.
I will write more about some of the different breeds of foxes over the next few weeks.
I’ve seen foxes emerge from the wooded area near pur house numerous times. It’s always a thrill.
I have never seen one in person just on tv and in books
I adore foxes. I didn’t think they were canidae. I thought their genus was Vulpes vulpes, but I just googled and apparently that still falls under canidae. So I just learned something. Thank you.
I didn’t think there were either until I started research wild dogs
Dearest Jo-Anne,
One full moon lit night when I had to go to the bathroom, there stood a red fox mama with baby next to our pond. What a majestic sight!
Hugs,
Mariette
That would have been a lovel sight
It sure was!!!