Range and Habitat: Red foxes are one of the world's most widespread animals in the order Carnivora, occurring throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Australia. Red foxes were introduced to Australia and N. America from Europe, but there is a subspecies of red fox, the Sierra Nevada red fox, that is native to California. The Sierra Nevada red fox is probably the most rare and endangered red fox subspecies in North America.
Red foxes are primarily crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and nocturnal (active at night). Red foxes are generally solitary but will occasionally hunt in pairs. Individuals and family groups often occupy underground dens, and the same den is often used over many generations.
Red foxes are omnivores that prey on rodents, cottontail rabbits, insects, and carrion, but will also eat grasses and fruit.
Fun Facts: Red foxes are generally considered to be the largest species of fox with some males weighing as much as 30 pounds. Despite their name, red foxes can also be black (melanistic), tawny yellow, or pale gray, although the reddish-orange pelt is usually the most common.
