What Does the Fox Say?

by
posted on May 5, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fox.jpg

It's a puzzle. While most animals on Old MacDonald's farm, or critters in the woods, have one vocalization, the fox has a repertoire of noises with which to communicate. Whether it's a "yip," "bark," "chatter," "howl" or "Joff-tchoff-tchoff-tchoff-tchoff!"  this small member of the dog family is known for its inquisitive nature and superior  intelligence. The fox has been used as a symbol for cunning in folklore. In Aesop's Fables, a fox that couldn't reach a bunch of grapes surmised that they wouldn't taste good-so they were not even worth having-is where our scornful use of the phrase "sour grapes" came from.

The red fox is the largest of the true foxes and has the widest distribution of any land mammal except humans. They can found be across the entire Northern Hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to North Africa, Central America and Asia. They prefer mixed habitat landscapes and eat a variety of foods including frogs, mice, voles, rabbits, eggs, fruit, birds, sunflower seeds, grain, and even carrion, garbage and pet food.

The name for a female fox is a "vixen," the male is "reynard," "dog fox" or "tod," a baby one is called a "kit," "cub" or "pup." Together in a group you would refer to them as a "skulk" or a "leash." Mating takes place in the wintertime, and an average of five young are born in a litter. The young remain in the den about five weeks, cared for by both parents. They stay in a family group through the summer, and the cubs become self-sufficient adults in the fall.

FAST FACTS:

  • The "common fox" has a red coat, but some foxes are black, white or yellowish brown.  There is a South American gray fox and an Arctic blue fox.
  • A family lives in a "den" (usually another animal's burrow that has been enlarged by the fox parents).
  • Adults are usually 36-42 inches long with a long, bushy tail and weigh about 10 to15 pounds.  Their ears are pointed and they have narrow snouts.
  • Fox hunting is an equestrian sport. Fox populations are often regulated near game and poultry producing areas; they are trapped for their pelts and also raised on farms for their fur.
  •  Annually, it is estimated that red foxes kill close to a million wild ducks on the prairie of North America.

Latest

Nra Virtual Townhall Lede
Nra Virtual Townhall Lede

Watch: NRA CEO Hamlin & President Bachenberg Hold Our First Virtual Townhall

"When President Bachenberg and I were elected, we pledged to rebuild the trust of our members, donors, and industry."

Reviewed: Daniel Defense 9mm Pistol-Caliber Carbine

Nimble, adjustable, accurate, and nicely outfitted, this PCC impresses.

From Pond to Pan, Frog-Hunting is Great Summer Fun

Get your gig, airgun, or .22 rifle and head for the water on a summer night and come away with some great eating!

First Impressions: CZ P-10 C Ported Pistol

Built for everyday carry and range performance, this new addition to CZ's lineup offers reduced recoil and other features new shooters will love.

Kyle Lamb Named Brand Ambassador for NRA America’s Rifle Challenge

"When I heard about the ARC program, its focus on the AR, and the NRA’s desire to provide AR training and ARC competitions, I wanted to be involved."

Y.E.S! NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

We're proud to announce the award recipients from the Y.E.S. Class of 2024!

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.