Red Fox

Appearance

  • The Red Fox is a small dog-like carnivore that inhibits the Alberta mixed prairie and parkland.
  • They are generally reddish in color with variations from black to greyish-yellow.  Their legs and small pointed ears are usually black.  They can average 4.5 to 5 kg in weight with a 58-cm body and a 38-cm bushy tail.

Behaviour

  • Red Fox are omnivorous. Their diets consist of vegetation, insects, small mammals, birds and dead animals.
  • Mating takes place in early spring with four to nine pups born 51 days later at a den site.  Both male and female tend to the youngsters.
  • The Red Fox is tolerant to humans thus den sites are often located in farm yards and under buildings and sheds.  They have adapted to the urban environment and may be seen in back yards and gardens.

Management

  • Keep all garbage in plastic or metal containers with tightly secured lids.  Also, bring pet food inside to a secure location every night or feed your pets indoors. Contain compost areas to discourage scavenging.
  • The Red Fox is very observant and may present a challenge if attempts are made to trap and relocate them.
  • Control of fox should be limited, as they are beneficial in controlling the numbers of small mammals and nuisance pests.
  • If required, fox traps are available from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, at 780-427-3574.

Further information
780-417-7100 (24 hours)

 

Last updated: Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Page ID: 5313

County Hall: 2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 3W7