Dolphins, dogs, cats, sugar gliders, name it. All these animals exhibit a playful behavior that we, as humans, tend to find amusing. But what about foxes? Do they have any abilities that make them stand out from the rest of the animal kingdom?

Foxes belong to the family Canidae, which includes other animals such as wolves, jackals, and coyotes. They are small to medium-sized animals with pointy faces, lithe bodies, and long tails. Even though they might look cute, foxes are very cunning predators.

Despite this, foxes have exciting characteristics that help them catch prey and become fascinating wild animals. So today, let’s discuss the abilities that foxes have!

Abilities that Foxes have

One of the most impressive things about foxes is their ability to adapt to different environments. They exist in forests, tundras, grasslands, and even deserts. This is made possible by the thick fur coats that protect them from the cold weather and help them to camouflage in snow-covered areas.

Knowing their existence in these areas, what abilities do they equip themselves to thrive?

Night visions

Night vision in foxes makes it possible for them to see well in the dark. This is due to their large pupils and low-light eyes. During the night, most of their prey is active, so they can take advantage of this.

Foxes can see and use the Earth’s magnetic field

Foxes can see and use the Earth’s magnetic field to help them orient themselves and find their way. This is an ability that not a lot of animals have. Studies show that foxes use this ability to help them during long-distance travels or when looking for a new home.

Foxes have a great sense of smell

Furthermore, foxes have a keen sense of smell which helps them find food underground. Their long snouts also help in amplifying aromas. This is an essential ability since most of their prey are tiny animals that live in burrows or dens.

Foxes scream like a woman!

Have you ever heard pained cries, sounding like a woman’s scream during the night? If so, then you probably hear foxes! Foxes are known to make a cry that sounds like a woman screaming, sometimes considered an omen of death. But this is just one of the many vocalizations that foxes use to communicate with each other. To put more specifically, their mating call.

Foxes have 40 known sounds

Foxes do not only exhibit woman-like screaming. Besides that, foxes also have a wide range of vocalizations to communicate with each other. Studies show that foxes have around 40 different sounds in their vocabulary. These include barks, whines, growls, and howls.

Foxes can hear their prey from 30 meters away

In addition to having a sharp sense of smell, foxes have powerful ears that exhibit an excellent sense of hearing. They can hear low-frequency sounds that allow them to detect their prey from a distance. This helps them communicate with other foxes and locate their prey.

Fox pups can get violent during play

Foxes are known to be social animals. They live in packs (or skulk) and form close bonds with their family members. However, they still get into fights with each other.

Fox pups, in particular, can get aggressive during playtime. This is because they need to learn how to hunt and defend themselves. As they grow older, they will learn to control their aggression and use it only when necessary.

Foxes are fast

Foxes are one of the fastest animals on the ground. They are agile runners that average 30 miles (50 kilometers) per hour. This enables them to chase after their prey and escape from predators. The fastest fox breed is the gray fox, which can reach speeds of up to 42 miles (67 kilometers) per hour.

If you can have a quick venture in the wild, the most common fox you’ll meet is the red fox. Red foxes are the largest of all true fox species, measuring up to 3 feet (90 centimeters) in length, including their tail. Their speed is 50 kilometers per hour.

Foxes are known to be sneaky

Foxes are known to be sneaky mammals. They earned the reputation of being cunning or sly. They have even led scientists to think that they have the uncanny ability to use the earth’s magnetic fields when they’re craving their prey. These animals are experts in camouflage and can blend in with their surroundings. This helps them to ambush their prey and avoid being seen by predators.

Foxes have a sensitive touch

The furry animals have a sensitive touch that helps them to feel their way around in the dark. Their whiskers are also helpful in detecting subtle changes in air currents. This allows them to navigate through dense forests and find their prey.

Quick Fox Knowledge!

• Like other Canine family members, you may initially think that foxes are pack animals (animals that live in a group). However, they live and thrive alone, making them solitary. Solitary doesn’t mean, however, that they’re unsociable. Foxes are known to be relatively tame animals that can get along well with humans. This is probably why pet foxes have existed in some cultures for centuries.
• Did you know that there are over 30 different species of foxes? The most common is the red fox, but other popular species include the grey fox, arctic fox, and fennec fox.
• In the past, fox hunting is very prevalent. This activity involves horsemen tracking, chasing, and killing foxes. However, in recent years, this has become a controversial topic with animal rights groups. It is also now considered illegal in most states.
• One of the most exciting things about foxes is their ability to adapt to different environments. They can live in forests, deserts, grasslands, and urban areas. This is one reason they’re considered a nuisance in some parts of the world.
• There’s a species of foxes with a fascinating coloration. They are the arctic foxes- equipped with an elegant white coloration that matches their snowy environment. They are also equipped with thick fur that helps them stay warm.

Need Help With Fox Problem? Call Us Today!

Along with foxes’ unique abilities, they can unpleasantly damage your home and spread serious diseases. If you have a fox problem, please call AAAC Wildlife Removal today! Our expert technicians will gladly help you take care of your wildlife issues.

Conclusion

All in all, foxes are intelligent and resourceful creatures with various abilities that help them survive in nature. Their adaptable ability to different environments has made them one of the most widely distributed animals in the world.

With a keen sense of smell, excellent night vision, and the ability to run at high speeds, foxes are well-equipped to hunt for food. They are also sneaky animals that use their cunning and slyness to their advantage. In addition, foxes have a sensitive touch that helps them navigate their way through the dark. All of these abilities make foxes intriguing creatures.

Now that you know some interesting facts about foxes and their abilities, impress your friends the next time you see one in the wild! Who knows, maybe you’ll even see one of these abilities in action.

To learn more about foxes and the potential problems they can create, click here: fox abilities.

FAQs

Is it legal to have a pet fox?

The answer to this question depends on your location. Unlike domesticated animals, it is illegal to have foxes as pets in most states. It is important to check your local laws before getting a pet fox.

How long do foxes live?

Foxes typically live for about 2-5 years in the wild. However, captive foxes (or those that live in zoos) have been known to live for up to 15 years.

What do foxes eat?

Foxes are carnivores, which means that their diet consists primarily of meat. They will typically eat small mammals or rodents such as mice, squirrels, and rabbits in the wild. They will also eat birds, reptiles, insects, and fruit.

How many babies can female foxes have?

The female fox, or vixen, can have 4 to 5 cubs in a single litter.