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Foxes are small-to-medium-sized omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull; upright, triangular ears; a pointed, slightly upturned snout; and a long, bushy tail ("brush"). Twelve species belong to the monophyletic "true fox" group of genus Vulpes.
Fox, any of various members of the dog family resembling small to medium-sized bushy-tailed dogs with long fur, pointed ears, and a narrow snout. In a restricted sense, the name refers to the 10 or so species classified as ‘true’ foxes (genus Vulpes), especially the red, or common, fox (V. vulpes).
Foxes are any of the omnivorous, dog-like mammals belonging to the family Canidae. Characterized by a small- or medium-sized furry body, these animals can be easily distinguished by their flattened skull, a narrow snout, upright triangular ears, and bushy tail.
- Mammalia
- Chordata
- Carnivora
- Foxes are related to dogs. Foxes are members of the Canidae family, which means they’re related to wolves, jackals, and dogs. They’re medium-sized, weighing anywhere between two and 24 pounds, with pointy faces, lithe frames, and bushy tails.
- Foxes are solitary. Unlike their canid relatives, foxes are not pack animals. When raising their young, they live in small families—called a “leash of foxes” or a “skulk of foxes”—in underground burrows.
- Foxes have a lot in common with cats. Like a cat, the fox is most active after the sun goes down. It has vertically oriented pupils so it can see in dim light, and it hunts by stalking and pouncing on its prey.
- There are 12 true foxes—and many relatives. Although there are 37 animals called foxes, only 12 are considered “true foxes,” meaning they’re calssified in the genus Vulpes.
May 19, 2024 · red fox, ( Vulpes vulpes ), species of fox (family Canidae) found throughout Europe, temperate Asia, northern Africa, and North America. It has the largest natural distribution of any land mammal except human beings. First introduced to Australia in the 19th century, it has since established itself throughout much of the continent.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
May 27, 2024 · The genus Vulpes contains 12 different species of “true” fox. The most widespread is the red fox, which has the scientific name Vulpes Vulpes and is found across most of the Northern Hemisphere. Three more genera, Urocyon, Otocyon, and Lycalopex, contain the “non-true” foxes.
Learn how the red fox earned its reputation for intelligence and cunning. Discover how this wily mammal uses bushy tail to help survive.
