Silver fox Vulpes vulpes

Animals in our sanctuary

Cola (female)

Date of birth

01-01-2010

Date taken in

13-09-2010

Cola and Bacardi were seized from an animal dealer. Now they live together in De Zonnegloed.

Appearance:

The silver fox is recognizable by its dark fur, which ranges from black to blue-gray, sometimes with reddish hues. Typically, the tip of the tail remains white, just like in the red fox. This coat color is caused by melanism, a genetic trait that results in an increased amount of dark pigment. In terms of appearance, the silver fox closely resembles the red fox but has a longer snout and larger ears.

Behavior:

Like red foxes, silver foxes form monogamous pairs and dig dens in hills or riverbanks, sometimes sharing them with badgers or marmots. They use urine to mark their territory. The family often stays together for an extended period, with older pups assisting in caring for new litters. Eventually, young foxes leave the family to establish their own territory.

Diet:

Silver foxes are opportunistic hunters that primarily prey on rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects. They also consume eggs, fruit, and berries when other food sources are scarce. They hunt mainly using their keen sense of hearing and sight, relying on their sharp senses to locate prey.

Habitat:

The silver fox is a melanistic form of the red fox, meaning its dark fur results from an excess of melanin. Silver foxes inhabit the same regions as red foxes, ranging from North America to Europe and Asia. In Canada, approximately 8% of foxes are silver foxes, but due to the fur trade, they have also been spotted in other regions where escaped or released animals have established populations.

Reproduction:

The gestation period of the silver fox is about 52 days, and each year, three to six pups are born, sometimes more if food is abundant. Both parents participate in raising the young, with the male providing food and defending the den.

Threats:

The silver fox does not have a separate conservation status. The fox-species as a whole is classified as "Not Threatened" according to the IUCN.