11 Amazing Red Fox Facts for Kids [UPDATED Facts]
We have all heard various stories about foxes. They are considered to be cunning creatures who lead solitary lives. The red fox is one such species of foxes that are extremely beautiful to look at.
What I always found interesting about the red foxes is that although they belong to the Canidae family, they have some characteristics of cats as well.
If your little one is interested in knowing more about the red foxes, then we got that covered for you. We have listed 11 amazing red fox facts that your kid and even you will definitely enjoy reading about.
11 Most Interesting & Fun Facts about Red Foxes for Kids
In North America, red foxes are extremely common. So common that often they can show up in someone’s backyard! But remember, these animals are wild by nature and it is not a good idea to try and patronize them.
They do not want to be kept in captivity but occasionally can enjoy petting from humans. But be really careful too, as you never know what an animal is feeling. Now, with that introduction out of the way, let us get into the facts about these animals.
1. Red foxes are extremely agile
Red foxes are extremely agile animals. They are known to jump quite a few feet in the air and this is the first thing that the babies learn when it comes to hunting.
Like the Arctic foxes, who jump and dive nose-first into the show to catch their prey, red foxes do the same thing. These foxes can be seen often jumping over the backyards or gardens and gain entry into the urban houses.
In case you want to know more about the Arctic Fox, you can check out our article here- 11 Amazing Arctic Fox for Kids.
2. Their tail is almost half of its body length
Red foxes have a long red bushy tail. This tail is the characteristic feature of these foxes. They are almost half the length of their bodies. The bushy tail is often used by the foxes to cover their bodies in case the weather gets too cold.
Lastly, the big bushy tail aids in communication between the foxes and helps in the balancing of the body of the fox.
3. They have different numbers of toes on the front and back feet
One of the most amazing features of red foxes is that they have different toes on their legs. The front legs have five toes each while the hind legs have four toes each. The reason for this is not known exactly but it does make the animal different from its cousins.
4. Red foxes are not always red in color
Yes, you read that correctly. Even though they are called red foxes, there are a lot of subspecies of this animal. They all have different variations in color.
In fact, there can be drastic differences in the colors of the subspecies. For example, grey, blackish-brown, platinum, amber, and sometimes even morphed white! All these colors are possible to be seen. Nature is indeed varied!
5. They have a great sense of hearing
Red foxes are said to have an almost supersonic hearing! Yes, you read that right! These animals can hear crows flying above, almost a third of a mile away, a little mouse squeak from 100 meters away, and even a watch ticking from 40 yards away.
That is indeed a fascinating piece of information about these red bushy animals.
6. They have night vision and can hunt at night
Red foxes are usually nocturnal animals. This is because they have been blessed with night vision. These animals have light-sensitive cells in their eyes along with another layer called tapetum lucidum. This helps in reflecting the light back through the eyes.
This helps the fox in seeing around much more intensely and this also helps them looking around perfectly at night.
7. Red foxes have whiskers on their faces and legs & retractable claws
We have already mentioned that red foxes share a lot of characteristics with cats. They have whiskers that cover their faces and legs. These help them to sense the area around them and move forward.
Additionally, cats are known to retract their claws; something that the members of the dog family are not able to do. However, that is not the case for the red foxes. These animals although belong to the dog family, are also able to retract their claws perfectly.
8. Red foxes can climb trees as well
With the massive pounces that these animals are known for, it should not be a surprise that these animals are capable of climbing trees.
In fact, red foxes love to get on trees and relax on branches of trees with low heights. It is not common to see members of the dog family climb trees but that won’t stop the red foxes.
You’ll Also Love to Read: 11 Amazing Red Panda Facts for Kids (They also spend most of their time on trees)
9. Red foxes tend to grin when they are afraid and they do not chew the food
One of the characteristic habits of these animals is that they tend to grin and lower down their bodies as a sign of submission. Their bodies are stretched out like a log when they submit.
Additionally, these animals do not chew their food. Instead, they use their teeth to break down the meat into reasonable chunks and swallow them whole.
10. Red foxes are solitary animals
Unlike their cousins, the wolves that prefer roaming in packs, red foxes are solitary animals. They like to hunt alone except from the time when they are teaching the pups; called as kits how to hunt.
During the breeding season, the partners meet up and go their separate ways after the breeding season.
11. These animals can be found in over 80 different countries
Red foxes are said to be one of the, if not the most widely spread mammals on Earth. Red foxes have 45 different sub-species and one or more is found in every continent except South America and Antarctica.
These animals can inhabit the deserts of the Middle East with the same ease as mountains of North America!
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Foxes hate the smell of chili peppers, garlic, and capsicum.
The baby red fox is called a kit.
Red foxes are omnivorous animals and feed on smaller animals like Arctic foxes, raccoons, squirrels, hamsters, murids, and sometimes even fruits.
While not a part of their diet, occasionally they do eat snakes.
The scientific name of the red fox is Vulpes vulpes.
Red foxes live in grasslands, deserts, forests, and mountains. They are also adaptable animals and can live near human settlements.
Red foxes sleep in dens or the areas around the dens.
Red foxes hunt by stalking and pouncing on their prey.
Yes, red foxes are considered to be very intelligent creatures.
The red foxes are usually 36 to 42 inches in length and on an average weigh around 10 to 15 pounds.
A red fox can jump as high as 6 feet in the air.
If you are living in the United States of America, it is not rare to see a red fox.
No, red foxes are not dangerous to humans unless they are rabid.
Usually, foxes are animals that avoid conflict and hence chances of them fighting a dog are rare. But if attacked, they will defend themselves.
No, red foxes are not endangered.
That is it, folks! You have come to the end of the article ’11 Amazing Red Fox Facts for Kids.’ Hopefully, you had a great time learning about these animals. They are highly adaptable animals and can be found all across the world; so don’t be surprised if you run into one.