Meet Britain’s Most Adaptable Mammal
Intelligent, resourceful and remarkably adaptable, the red fox is one of Britain’s most recognisable wild animals.
Species
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Found
Entire Northern Hemisphere
Weight
Usually 4–10kg
Active
Mostly dusk and dawn
Lifespan
2–5 years in the wild
Cub Season
March to April
More Than Just a Clever Fox
Foxes belong to the dog family, known as canids. There are 21 species of fox across the world, but the only fox native to the UK is the red fox.
Their success comes from their incredible ability to adapt. From countryside and woodland to suburban gardens and city streets, foxes are able to find food, shelter and raise families in a huge range of habitats.
Foxes Live in Family Groups
Although foxes are often seen alone, they are surprisingly social animals. A family group usually includes a dog fox, a dominant vixen and subordinate females who help raise the cubs.
Vixen
The dominant female who gives birth to the cubs.
Dog Fox
The male fox, often helping provide food for the family.
Cubs
Born underground in spring and dependent on their parents.
Helpers
Subordinate vixens may help rear or foster cubs.
Cubs are born in spring and grow quickly through the summer months.
A Year in the Life of a Fox
Mating takes place in December and January.
Cubs are born underground between March and April.
Cubs begin exploring and slowly become more independent.
Young foxes may disperse to find territories of their own.
The cycle begins again as breeding season returns.
Every Fox Needs a Place to Call Home
Foxes are territorial animals. Each family group occupies its own area, with the size of that territory depending largely on food availability.
Urban foxes often have smaller territories because food is more plentiful, while rural foxes usually need to travel further. Foxes may also have several dens within their territory, giving them safe backup options if one site becomes disturbed.
Nature’s Opportunists
Foxes are omnivores, which means they eat both animal and plant matter. Their diet changes depending on what is available.
Small Mammals
Insects
Fruit
Eggs
Birds
Scavenged Food
Foxes also bury surplus food, known as caching, so they can return to it later when food may be harder to find.
Living in Britain’s Towns & Cities
Foxes have adapted incredibly well to living near people. Gardens, parks, railway lines, allotments and green spaces can all form part of a fox’s territory.
Despite this adaptability, foxes still face many dangers including road traffic, netting, traps, habitat loss and disease.
Fascinating Fox Facts
The UK population has declined by 50% in the last 25 years.
Cubs are born blind and deaf, and remain so for around 10 days.
Foxes can communicate using a wide range of calls and body language and have up to 28 different vocalizations.
They are excellent listeners and can detect high-frequency sounds underground - like a mouse squeak - from over 100 feet away.
Their territories help naturally control their population and can range from 4 hectares in urban zones to 5,000 hectares in rural areas.
They can reach a top running speed of about 30 to 31 mph (48 to 50 km/h) during short, explosive sprints.
Looking for Advice About a Fox?
If you are worried about an injured, sick or vulnerable fox, or need advice about foxes living nearby, our help pages can guide you.