Fox

Fox is a name applied to any one of generally 27 species of small to medium-sized canids, with sharp skin and a shaggy tail or brush. By far the most common and prevalent species of fox is the red fox, although various species are found on almost every continent. The incidence of fox-like carnivores all over the globe has led to their emergence in the popular culture and folklore of many nations, tribes, and other enriching groups.

Most foxes live 2 to 3 years, but they can survive for up to 10 years or even longer in confinement. Foxes are generally smaller than other members of the family Canidae such as wolves, jackals, and domestic dogs. Fox-like features naturally include an acute muzzle and thick tail. Other physical characteristics vary according to their territory. For example, the fennec has large ears and short coat, whereas the Arctic fox has small ears and thick, insulating hair.

Another example is the red fox which has a typical auburn pelt, the tail normally ending with white marking. Unlike many canids, foxes are regularly not set animals. Typically, they are private, opportunistic feeders that hunt live prey. Using a pouncing technique practiced from an early age, they are usually able to kill their prey speedily. Foxes also gather a wide variety of other foods ranging from grasshoppers to fruit and berries.

Foxes are usually extremely wary of humans and are not kept as pets; however, the silver fox was productively domesticated in Russia after a 45 year selective propagation program. This selective breeding also resulted in physical and behavioural traits appearing that are recurrently seen in domestic cats, dogs, and other animals: pigmentation changes, floppy ears, and curly tails.