How Do Red Foxes Communicate?

About Red Foxes

Red foxes are found in North America, central Asia, Europe, northern Africa and Australia. You can distinguish a red fox by the reddish colored fur on its back, the white on its neck and underbelly, black legs and feet and the white-tipped bushy red tail. A red fox can also have a black or silver coloring. The red fox is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, prairies, deserts, tundra and farmlands. Red foxes are omnivores and will eat a variety of berries, fruits and vegetation. They will also eat small mammals and birds.

The Behavior of Red Foxes

Red foxes are most active at twilight and during the night. They live mostly solitary lives--red foxes travel and hunt alone. A red fox hunts its prey by quietly stalking a small animal, and then pouncing on it. Small animals don't have much of a chance against a red fox--a red fox can run very fast. If it catches more than it can eat, it will bury the food for later. The red fox also has excellent sight, hearing and sense of touch, to aid in the hunt. In the winter, red foxes will pair up to mate. After mating, the female makes a den to prepare for the birth of her pups. In the spring, the female will give birth to 1 to 10 pups. The pups will stay in the den for about five weeks and are fully weaned by the end of the summer. The male and female will generally stay together through the summer until their pups are ready to venture out on their own.

How Red Foxes Communicate

Red foxes use a variety of methods to communicate with each other. During the mating season, the female will make a squealing noise, and the males will bark in return. They also use different sounds to communicate with all year long--in fact, over 28 vocalizations have been distinguished. Foxes also use different facial expressions and their bushy tails to communicate. Scent marking is used to establish territory and to mark areas that have been searched for food. Foxes also use urine to signal their presence to other foxes.