What are Some Traits of Foxes?
Generally, a fox's personality is associated with the following traits: focus, adaptability, intelligence, shrewdness, determination, and many more. However, they are often also referred to in negative content and are associated with being sly, tricky, and mischievous.
Normally, foxes like to be alone and are pretty solitary creatures. If they do not hunt, they try to avoid other animals and people. Foxes are usually shy and timid. But, they can also get pretty aggressive depending on the situation.
However, most fox species are known to be friendly, curious and playful especially when they're around other foxes and animals. There is also a long history of foxes playing and bonding with humans as well. Foxes have been known to play with balls and will often take them from golf courses and gardens.
They are active at dusk and during the night, searching alone for food. However, they tend to live in family groups of one dog, one vixen and her cubs and a few female helpers from previous litters. Their eyes are specially adapted to be able to see in the dark. Behind the light sensitive cells lies another layer called the tapetum lucidum which reflects light back through the eye. This doubles the intensity of what the fox can see, making them excellent at catching prey.
The family has several lairs and one or more breeding dens, or earths, within their territory. Females give birth to four to seven cubs between March and May.
If you're searching for foxes, look for tracks and droppings.
Foxes mark their territories with grayish droppings in prominent places.
Fox's fur can be quite different between species, particularly as foxes can be found throughout a range of climates. The color and thickness of fox fur can adapt seasonally to the weather. Foxes hair becomes very thick in the winter then molts when entering the warmer months of the year.
They love to explore and are great at overcoming challenges. Foxes can often be found mountain climbing or exploring other curious, far off places.
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Descriptions of Various Types of Fox
Foxes are deeply entrenched in the lore of many ancient cultures. Some Native American tribes believed foxes were creator gods; benevolent and wise. Others though associated them with fire and the sun.
Foxes are small to medium-sized animals with russet-red fur, pointed ears, and a bushy tail. Foxes have a triangular face, pointed ears, an elongated rostrum, and a bushy tail. They have narrow ears and white-colored undersides that help distinguish them from common household pets.
Most fox tails have colors at the end called tags. Red foxes tend to have white tags, fennec foxes and gray foxes have black tags. This can help tell them apart. Gray foxes sometimes get confused with red foxes, but the tag color can help clear up any doubt.
Foxes eyes are unique with an air of mystery. Foxes have many features that draw your attention to them, but their eyes have an intensity that feels consuming. Foxes are nocturnal by nature. This is evident from the way they can see in the dark, as well as in the daytime.
Most foxes pupils are vertically split, instead of round, like other canids. The structure of their eyes is very similar to cat eyes. The vertical pupils, give them the ability to restrict light going into the eye. This allows them to see in many different light conditions, such as night, twilight, and daylight.Their eyes reflect light, also, much like cats. A layer in their eyes, called the tapetum lucidum, gives them night vision. Because their eyes reflect the light that passes through them, at night it may seem like their eyes are glowing. However, it is just the light reflection.