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Red Fox

(Vulpes vulpes)

Foxes are omnivorous, eating such varied items as small mammals like mice and voles, small birds and waterfowl, insects, eggs, grass, carrion and fruit.

Mating occurs from late January to mid-March and a typical litter consisting of five kits is born about two months later. Both parents raise the kits. Coyotes are major predators of foxes, as are wolves and lynx. Foxes live either alone or in a family unit.

Foxes are vocal, although less so than coyotes and wolves. Most often heard is a sharp yapping especially during denning. Foxes have many characteristics that are similar to the wild cats. They stalk and pounce on their prey, use their tail for balance (like a cougar) and fluff their hair and arch their back in threat displays. If low branches are available, foxes will climb trees to gain a vantage point.

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