fox

Contrary to the misinformation provided in that popular song, the fox does not make that gibberish that the song claims. Although foxes do make around 40 different and unique vocalizations and some very strange. Yep, this article is all about the fox. You can even say this article is rather … foxy?

First the Stats… Scientific name: Vulpes Weight: Up to 31 lbs Height: Up to 20 inches, plus the tail Lifespan: Up to 15 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) Foxes are not pack animals, like other members of the canidae family. They are also typically nocturnal (active at night), but can be crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).

2.) Red foxes have the largest geographic range of any carnivore ! They can be found all across the northern hemisphere.

3.) A group of foxes is called a skulk or a leash.

4.) Like other animals that rely on the earth’s magnetic field for navigation, foxes use the earth’s magnetic field to hunt!

5.) Foxes produce one litter a year. The litters can range from one to 11 pups, with the standard amount being 5 – 6, which are born blind and don’t even open their eyes for 9 days.

But wait, there’s more on the fox! 6.) Grey foxes have the ability to retract their claws, just like cats.

7.) The bat eared fox not only has 5″ ears, but actually uses those ears to listen for insects that it eats and to help them thermoregulate (control body temperature).

Did you know…? The arctic fox doesn’t get cold till the temperature drops to -94° F!

8.) A female fox is called a vixen and a male a dog.

9.) The fennec fox lives in the Sahara desert and has large ears to help it hear well and vent heat. They also have furry feet to help them walk on the hot sand. They are only about 8 inches long, plus their tail.

10.) Finally, the part you’ve been waiting for, the sounds that foxes do make. They actually make around 40 different sounds!

Now a Short Fox Video!

Another Fox Video. This one is of fox sounds.

Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

Want to suggest a critter for me to write about? Let me know here .

Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here ! toolTips('.classtoolTips3','

These animals are active during dawn and dusk, or twilight. Animals that are crepuscular are typically so due to the fact that many predators are not active during those times of the day. But as in the case of being diurnal or nocturnal, sometimes the organism is crepuscular in an effort to obtain food that might be present at these times. Mule deer , desert cottontails , coyotes , porcupines , and black-tailed jackrabbits , to name a few, fit into this category.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips18','

Organisms that are nocturnal are active at night. Animals that fit into this category are typically prey animals that rely on the cover of darkness as a defense. Granted, there are no shortage of predators at night. Some organisms adopt a nocturnal lifestyle due to climate issues. Many desert dwelling animals are nocturnal as it is simply cooler outside at night. Aardvarks , badgers , bandicoots , and aye-ayes are just some examples of nocturnal creatures.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips23','

A creature that feeds primarily or exclusively on animal matter is called a carnivore. Some animals that fall into this category are: crocodiles , birds of prey , and sharks , to name a few.');

fox

What Does the Fox Say?