Vulpes vulpesRed foxes are small canines that are known for their beautiful red coats and long, bushy tails. Red foxes are generally monogamous and stay with the same mate for life. Males will usually help raise pups by bringing the female food while she is in the den with their pups. Sometimes a sister or daughter will also help raise the pups. This most commonly happens when a daughter from the previous litter stays to help and learn how to raise pups before finding a mate of her own. There are also cases of males having multiple mates who actually raise their litters together in the same den! Much like coyotes, this behavior is somewhat dependent on how many foxes live in the area. When there are a lot of foxes in an area, they are less likely to remain with a single partner. Did You Know?
Fox, M. W. (1970). A comparative study of the development of facial expressions in canids; wolf, coyote and foxes. Behaviour, 36(1-2), 49-73.
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Last updated: August 16, 2021