|
|
 |
Spring 2004
FEATURED SPECIES: Red Fox
If you've spent much time traveling through Mississippi, especially close
to dawn or dusk, chances are you have seen a red fox. The red fox (Vulpes
vulpes) is frequently found in and around cities and towns.
The red fox is a medium sized mammal, with the general appearance of
a small dog, having a pointed muzzle, prominent ears, black feet and
reddish yellow to tawny across the upper section of the body and whitish
or grayish on the underside. The most distinguishing feature is its tail.
The red fox's tail accounts for approximately one third of its total
body length and is bushy with the terminal portion being black, tipped
with white.
The red fox prefers upland woods and farmlands with meadows, cultivated
fields, pastures and woodlots, but can also be found in bottomland
woods, especially adjacent to agricultural areas.
The main part of the red fox's diet consists of small mammals such
as rabbits, mice and voles, but they also eat small birds, insects
and a variety of plant foods, especially certain fruits. Occasionally
the red fox will feed on carrion found along roadways.
The red fox is a monogamous animal and it is not unusual for them to
be mated for life. They pair off and breeding usually occurs in January
and February. Den sites are typically located in wooded areas adjoining
fields, along wooded rivers or streams or in rocky outcroppings. A
den can be excavated in a cut bank or gulley, or a natural or abandoned
cavity may be suitable. Most den sites have numerous entrances. Dens
are generally only used to rear young or as shelter from harsh weather.
Females produce one litter per year after a gestation period of fifty
one to fifty three days. The litter size varies from one to eleven,
but four to five is average. The young are born in March or April;
at birth the young are blind and weigh about 10 grams, and open their
eyes at the age of one week. The young will first emerge from the den
when they are about three weeks old. Both parents take an active role
in providing food for the young. At about two months of age the young
fox are weaned and at six months of age they will begin to leave the
den and forage on their own. The females will reach sexual maturity
and first breed at ten months of age.
It is interesting to note that there was a debate as to whether the
red fox species in Mississippi is the introduced European subspecies
or the native American red fox. The red fox was not always present
over much the state when it was forested, although it may have been
present in the blackland prairies. Land clearing for agricultural purposes
provided suitable habitat and the red fox extended its range. Evidence
now favors the view that the European subspecies never became well
established and that the present day populations consist of various
subspecies of native red fox.
This article was written by Rob Ballinger, a Certified Wildlife Biologist
with the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The red fox artwork
is by Rennie Knowlton.
|
 |
|
