Video: Fox Cubs Playing with a Dog's Ball

What do adorable baby foxes do with a dog's ball? The video below is titled “Fox Pups Playing with Dog's Ball,” and its description reads “Fox pups playing with a tennis ball - May 2015”. It runs 85 seconds.

Watch the Video

The MyLilVideos channel posted the video on YouTube.

Your Animal Hearted purchase saves lives! 25% of all proceeds are donated to no-kill animal shelters! Check out our dog merch collection today!

How Do Red Fox Kits Grow Up?

A baby fox is called a pup or a kit. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says of the red fox, “Most litters average 4 to 5 pups, also known as kits.” Indiana's Department of Natural Resources says “Litters may range from one to 12, but five or six is average.” Colorado describes the first days this way: “Pups weigh about three or four ounces at birth. They are born blind and helpless, but mature quickly. By the time they are 9 days old, their eyes are completely open.”

For the first month the pups stay inside the den. The Missouri Department of Conservation says red foxes only use dens when raising kits. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says “Once the pups reach 4 to 5 weeks of age, they will start emerging from the den, often playing near the den entrance.”

Growing up goes fast after that. Colorado says “When the pups are approximately 8 to 12 weeks old, they begin to accompany the adults on hunting forays.” By 16 to 20 weeks old the pups start fending for themselves. Colorado also says red fox live roughly 12 years in captivity, and that three to four years is the average life expectancy for wild foxes.

A Red Fox Family

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says “Throughout most of the year, red fox are observed in pairs or in family groups.” Indiana's Department of Natural Resources says newborn foxes “are constantly attended by the female until several weeks old. The male delivers food to his family during this period.”

Colorado says red fox have a single annual litter, and that an adult “will typically stay within a mile of their den while they are raising pups.” The same page gives a typical home range of five to ten square miles, depending on food availability.

What Does a Red Fox Look Like?

Indiana's Department of Natural Resources describes the red fox this way: “The red fox is red to yellow with a white underside, throat and inner ears. The lower legs and backs of the ears are generally black.” The Missouri Department of Conservation says “Although they come in many shades, their telltale sign is their white-tipped tail. Nearly all red foxes have this marking.”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says “Despite the name, red fox are not always red.” It lists four recognized color phases, red, cross, silver, and black, and says the red phase is the most common in wild red fox. Adults weigh 8 to 15 pounds and are roughly 3 to 4 feet long including the tail.

Pouncing and Other Cat-Like Habits

Of red foxes, the Missouri Department of Conservation says “They also share some behaviors with cats like stalking and pouncing on prey, running sideways, and walking on toes.” Colorado adds that red fox have “a very keen sense of smell, excellent hearing, and good vision,” and can run at speeds of 30 miles per hour.

More fox kits at play: Backyard Playtime For 4 Cute Baby Foxes.

What Do Red Foxes Sound Like?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says “Red fox are very vocal, especially during the breeding season.” It lists barking and yipping as common sounds, “especially if pups are present.” The same page says “The most commonly misinterpreted sounds produced by red fox are screeching yowls that are often reported as a domestic cat fight or a mountain lion screaming.”

The Missouri Department of Conservation puts a number on the range: “Red foxes make sounds that span five octaves. Adults have a dozen calls and their young about eight.”

When and Where Red Foxes Show Up

The Missouri Department of Conservation calls red foxes “highly adaptable mammals, at home from the country to the city.” Indiana's Department of Natural Resources says they can sometimes be seen trotting around neighborhoods near dawn and dusk. Colorado says red fox may be active any time, day or night, but are most active at dawn and dusk. Missouri says red foxes hunt at night.

The red fox is one fox species of several. For others, see 8 Reasons Why Foxes Are So Cute and Fascinating.

What Do Red Fox Tracks Look Like?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says “Sightings are the most obvious way to know that fox are in the area, but the presence of scat, tracks, and hair are also good clues.” Its page gives two track details: “Red fox have chevron-shaped heel pads that distinguish them from other canids. Unlike most other canine species, red fox grow large amounts of fur between their toes.”

The Missouri Department of Conservation measures a red fox front track at 2 to 2 1/4 inches long with 4 toes. It says “The claws leave marks, with the middle two claws most likely to show.”

Can You Keep a Fox as a Pet?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is direct about it: “Red fox are not pets, and they should not be approached, fed, harassed, captured, or domesticated.” The American Kennel Club says foxes “are wild animals, and they should only be cared for by qualified wildlife rehabbers when needed.”

The Nevada Department of Wildlife explains what feeding does: “Providing food makes wild animals dependent on us, and they often lose their natural fear of humans.”

FAQ

Can dogs play with foxes?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says “Red fox will occasionally prey on small pets. Don't allow your pets to roam.” It adds “Pets should also be kept away from wildlife and should be vaccinated against rabies.” The Nevada Department of Wildlife says to “Always leash or supervise your pets while outside.” It also says a fox “will put up defenses” if a pet gets too close to its young or threatens them.

Are foxes and dogs related?

Yes. The AKC says “Dogs and wolves are part of the diverse biological family of animals called Canidae.” It quotes Dr. vonHoldt, a Princeton University associate professor, who says foxes “can be referred to as canids because they are also a member of the Canidae family.” The AKC then says “Just because they are canids, however, doesn't mean that foxes are dogs.”

Do foxes play with dog toys?

The pups in the video do. Its title is “Fox Pups Playing with Dog's Ball,” and its description names a tennis ball. For toys made for dogs, see these interactive dog toys.

What should I do about a fox in my yard?

Indiana's Department of Natural Resources says “Never leave pet food outside; take in water dishes at night; take down bird feeders; keep garbage and compost secure from access; clean up fruit from fruit trees or vegetables from gardens.” The Nevada Department of Wildlife says “First and foremost, don't feed them and encourage your neighbors to do the same.”

What does it mean if a fox acts aggressive?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says “If a red fox acts aggressively, it may be an indication that it is sick or injured.” It says a red fox that appears sick or is acting strangely or aggressively “should be reported to the nearest Division of Wildlife office and the local animal control agency.”

Sources

• MyLilVideos. “Fox Pups Playing with Dog's Ball.” YouTube. youtube.com.
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Red Fox.” cpw.state.co.us.
• Missouri Department of Conservation. “Red Fox Skills at Play.” mdc.mo.gov.
• Nevada Department of Wildlife. “Living With Foxes.” ndow.org.
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “Fish and Wildlife: Red Fox.” in.gov.
• American Kennel Club. “What Makes an Animal a Canid?” akc.org.