Red fox

Red fox
Scientific classification
Kingdom Information
Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Animalia
Subkingdom	Bilateria
Branch	Deuterostomia
Phylum Information
Phylum	Chordata
Sub-phylum	Vertebrata
Infraphylum	Gnathostomata
Class Information
Superclass	Tetrapoda
Class	Mammalia
Sub-class	Theriiformes
Infra-class	Holotheria
Order Information
Superorder	Preptotheria
Order	Carnivora
Sub-order	Caniformia
Infraorder	Cynoidea
Family Information
Family	Canidae
Sub-family	Caninae
Tribe Information
Tribe	Vulpini
Genus Information
Genus	Vulpes
Species Information
Species	V. vulpes
Population statistics

Red foxes are the most widely distributed wild carnivores in the world, occurring in North America, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. They are also among the most famous of fox species.

Red foxes have a slim body build and relatively short limbs. Their tails are longer than the rest of the body, usually bushy with a white tail tip. Red foxes are also agile animals, able to climb and swim well. They usually have reddish to orange fur with dark brown-black legs and ears, though there are also several different colorations, including silver (black with silver-tipped hairs), gray, white, and cross (a mixture of red and gray furs).

The red fox is usually native to North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are also widespread in Australia, where they were introduced in about 1850 so that fox hunters would have something to hunt. Their range in North America has expanded since colonial times as their competitors, wolves, were eliminated, but their range has also contracted in areas where they compete with coyotes.

The red fox is usually seen in forests and fields but can also be found in the most crowded cities and towns.

Red foxes are opportunistic omnivores and will eat just about anything. For meat, they will prey on voles, rabbits, hares, and other small mammals, and also eat birds, fruits, and invertebrates like beetles and earthworms. When they live near mankind, they can also steal poultry from farmers. They are also opportunistic enough to sneak into backyards and nibble at dog and cat food left outside.

A male-female pair typically inhabits a territory, and older, usually female, siblings help care for the younger offspring by bringing them food. Red foxes are among the main carriers and victims of rabies.

The red fox is widely known among many cultures around the world. Some cultures see them as wise karmic tricksters, foiling foes that try to nab them. Others see them as cruel and sly, uncaring of others. One particular famous fox is Reynard from European folklore. His adventures usually involve him deceiving other anthropomorphic animals for his advantage or trying to avoid their retaliatory efforts. His main enemy and victim across the cycle is his uncle, the wolf Isengrim (or Ysengrim).

Recent years have seen the rise of domestic silver foxes bred from Russian red foxes.