Red fox Facts
The red fox is a mammal and the largest of the true foxes, found across the whole Northern Hemisphere and quick to adapt to new places.
- Class
- Mammal
- Scientific name
- Vulpes vulpes
- Conservation status
- Least concern (IUCN)
About the red fox
No member of the order Carnivora spreads wider. Red foxes live across most of Europe, Asia and North America, plus parts of North Africa, and their range has grown along with human settlement. People also brought them to Australia, where they hunt native rodents and marsupials. The species arose in Eurasia about 400,000 years ago and reached North America before 130,000 years ago.
Despite the name, some individuals come in other colors, including pale leucistic and dark melanistic forms. Foxes usually live in pairs or small family groups, and young from a mated pair may stay to help care for new kits. Small rodents are the main food, along with rabbits, squirrels, game birds, reptiles, insects, fruit and vegetables. Golden eagles are among the predators that can attack them.
Did you know?
- Forty-five subspecies of red fox are currently recognized.
- Because it harms native wildlife, the red fox appears on a list of the 100 worst invasive species worldwide.
- The IUCN lists the red fox as least concern.
Questions about the red fox
What do red foxes eat?
Mainly small rodents, but also rabbits, squirrels, game birds, reptiles, invertebrates, fruit and vegetables.
Where do red foxes live?
Across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia and parts of North Africa, and in Australia where they were introduced.
Sources
- Wikidata Q8332, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Red fox, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.