Foxes are one of the world’s most beloved creatures. Not only do they look intelligent, but there is a certain craftiness in their gaze that makes you think that they’re up to something. Some might enjoy a day fox hunting, but others would simply love to spend a day being around a fox because they’re so cool. Be careful though – a female fox is officially called a “vixen.” Here are some more interesting facts to consider.
1. Part Dog and Part Cat
Although the fox is technically a dog, there are some cat-like qualities to the animal. They are the only type of dog that is able to retract their claws like cats are able to do. If you look closely into a fox’s eyes, you’ll also notice that they have the vertical pupils like a cat instead of the rounded pupils like the average dog. Just don’t stare into those eyes too long, however, because you might just get the urge to feed that fox some sausages.
2. There’s Lots of Them
Foxes are also one of the most wide-spread species of animal in the world today. You can find a fox in almost every biome, habitat, and even in the city. There are arctic foxes that survive up around the North Pole and there are even foxes that live in the deserts of North Africa. They are actually the world’s most common wild dog. The grey fox might have a leg up on everyone though. It’s the only type of dog that actually can climb a tree.
3. Let’s Dig a Hole
Foxes might just be the least picky eater in the entire dog kingdom. They’ll literally eat almost anything. Foxes have been seen eating worms, spiders, or a few berries on the side. When the season is right, you can find foxes hunting a few birds or maybe some mice. City foxes can routinely be found in dumpsters, fighting off homeless folks who are trying to get a discarded hamburger. If they’re full, a fox won’t just leave the food. They’ll take it with them, dig a hole, and store it for later – sort of like a dirt refrigerator.
4. Family Is Important
There’s a story that was reported in 2009 of a baby fox being caught in a hunter’s trap for nearly two weeks. The local animal protection group was finally able to locate the animal and free it. How did the baby fox survive? It’s mother continued to provide it with food during the entire time it was trapped. Fathers take a part in raising fox cubs too. They’ll go out and hunt when the vixen is indoctrinating the young children.
Foxes are majestic, intelligent creatures that are one of the most unique and diverse that our planet has. Now that you’ve gotten to know them a little more, it might just be time to start helping them.
