FOX CONTROL

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Biology & control

of the

RED FOX

(VULPES VULPES)

HISTORY

The red fox is amember of the order carnivora and family canidae. originating about 45 million years ago in the Eocene period, the first foxes were long-bodied and short-limbed, much like their ancestors. They have become adapted for a fast persuit of prey over open grasslands, so they generally have lithe bodies, long bushy tails, long legs and digitigrade four-toed feet, with non-retractable claws.

The modern fox is a widespread animal, being found throughout Europe ( but absent from Iceland ) and also in mutch of Asia, North Amerrica, Northern Africa and introduced to Australia.

KEY FEATURES

The fox measures up to 110cm, including the tail. It can be up to 40cm high to the shoulder. It weighs around 6.5 kg and is reddish brown in coloration with blacks and usually a white tail tip. many have a white bib on the throat. Darker varieties are sometimes called a cross fox.

DISTRIBUTION

It is thought to be the most widespread and abundant wild carnivore in the world and seems to have almost limitless adaptability to European habitats. In the countryside, the fox can be found in scrub,woodland, farmland, moors, mountains and even sand dunes. In towns and cities, it is most common in the wealthier parts of the suburbs with detached houses and large gardens.

MATING

The fox tend to be a semi-solitary animal, but family groups of a male ( dog ) and several females ( vixens )are also common. Mating takes place from december to february and the two sexes can be locked together for up to 90 minutes after copulation. At this time of year, the animals cause many complaints due to their barking and screaming mating calls. Fox cubs are born in march-may after gestation period of 52-53 days. The average litter size is 5. Cubs are about 100g when born and grow quickly putting on 50g a day from 4-10 weeks. Weaning begins around the sixth week but they will eat solid food from 4 weeks. Young cubs may remain with the vixen until they are 3 or 4 mouths of age. At weaning, they resemble miniature fluffy foxes but they are virtually indistinguishable from adults in the field after 6 months. Lifespan is around 9 years, but with a high mortality of up to 80% in the first year alone. In some populations, few survive longer than three years

EVIDENCE OF FOX PROBLEMS

Initially it is important to establish whether or not you are dealing with a fox problem. The evidence left behind by foxes includes droppings, footprints, fur, paths, and a den. Foxes can bring a great deal of pleasure to many people but significant problems for others.

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