The red fox is a medium-sized member of the Canidae family, recognisable by its slender body, short legs and characteristic bushy tail, which is typically almost as long as its body. Adult foxes weigh between five and 10 kilograms, with males being slightly larger and heavier. The coat is usually reddish-brown, with a dirty white underside. The legs are black, as are the backs of the ears, and the tail has a white tip. When a fox is in its winter coat, the fur along the back often shows more pronounced light, greyish or darker, almost black shades.
The fox is an omnivore and an extremely adaptable animal. Its diet consists mainly of small mammals especially rodents but also includes hares, birds, carrion, fish, frogs, crayfish, snails, insects and their larvae, as well as fruit and organic waste left behind by humans, all of which enables it to survive in a wide range of environments, including urban areas. It is active mainly at night and at dusk, when it goes out to hunt. It lives in a den called an earth which it digs itself, or takes over an abandoned badger sett. It is a fairly good swimmer and can also climb moderately sloping tree trunks. Foxes are territorial animals and mark their territory with scent. Their home range covers between 2.5 and 15 square kilometres. Red foxes reproduce once a year. Mating takes place in winter and the young are born in early spring. A vixen usually gives birth to four to seven cubs, which stay with her for several months. Foxes can live for up to 12 years. Their natural enemies include the wolf, lynx and golden eagle, while goshawks and eagle-owls pose a threat to the young. The fox is the main carrier of rabies in Europe, although thanks to an intensive oral vaccination campaign the disease was eradicated in Slovenia and neighbouring countries a decade ago.
The red fox is one of the most widely distributed members of the order Carnivora, found on every continent except Antarctica. In Slovenia it is common throughout the country, from the coast to Prekmurje. In the mountains it lives up to the tree line and occasionally ventures even higher, reaching elevations of up to 2,500 metres. It prefers wooded and mosaic landscapes where forests, meadows and farmland intermingle. It is often found on the outskirts of settlements and even in towns, where it makes use of easily accessible food sources. Its ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats is key to its success and abundance.
The fox plays an important role in the ecosystem as a natural regulator of small mammal populations, particularly rodents, helping to maintain ecological balance and reduce damage to agriculture. It is also a key part of the food chain, serving as prey for larger predators and scavengers.
Hubert Potočnik, Department of Biology, Biotechnical
Faculty, University of Ljubljana
