Red fox

Vulpes vulpes

Family

Canidae

Distribution

Foxes are widespread in Europe, Asia and North Africa. They can be found in every canton of Switzerland and also live in the mountains at altitudes of up to 2,500 metres above sea level.

Lifestyle

Foxes are cautious but also extremely curious. When living in areas with a high density of foxes, they generally live in small family groups with one to two females, but the composition of these groups can vary considerably. Foxes are territorial animals. Young males leave the parental territory at the age of approximately six months.

Reproduction

Red foxes generally mate in the winter from December to February. Some eight weeks later, they give birth to their young in burrows they have dug themselves or abandoned badger burrows. Generally only one vixen from each family group gives birth. As is the case with wolves, both parents are involved in raising their young.

Diet

Foxes are omnivores. Their diet includes rodents, birds, insects, fallen fruit and berries. Foxes living close to human settlements will rummage through refuse bags for scraps of waste food or prey on chickens, ducks and geese.

Senses

Foxes have excellent hearing and are able to perceive very high frequencies. They have good twilight vision due to a reflective layer on the ocular fundus, but their ability to perceive colour and their focus is poor. They have a well-developed sense of smell.

The fox in Langenberg

Since 2007. The western part of the Langenberg is currently home to a vixen and a male with their cubs. Their enclosure contains various farm-like elements, which replicate the habitats of the fox, strongly dependent as they are on human habitations.