island fox
ExploreMammals
island fox
Urocyon littoralis
The island fox is a small, cute fox found only on six of California's Channel Islands. They have big ears and a fluffy tail, making them look adorable and very special!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The island fox is the smallest fox in North America, with a grizzled grayish-brown coat and striking reddish-orange sides. It has a white throat, belly, and inner ears, contrasted by a distinctive black stripe and tip on its tail.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyCanidaeGenusUrocyon
Category
MammalsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Each fox often has a specific den site it uses for many years!
Island foxes are only found on six of California's Channel Islands!
Their ancestors floated to these islands thousands of years ago!
They communicate using barks, growls, and even tail positions!
Special abilities
Ability
Agile Climber
Island fox can climb trees easily thanks to semi-retractable claws that help them find food or escape danger.
Ability
Island Miniaturization
Island fox has evolved to be much smaller than mainland foxes because this helps them thrive with fewer resources on islands.
Ability
Sharp Night Vision
Island fox can hunt effectively in low light using excellent night vision that helps them find prey after sunset.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 59-79 cm
- Weight
- 1.3-2.8 kg
- Lifespan
- 4-6 years
- Top Speed
- 25 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1-5
- Gestation
- 50-53 days
Diet & Feeding
Island foxes are omnivores, eating fruits, insects, small mammals, and birds found on their island homes.
Primary Foods
- Insects
- Manzanita berries
- Cactus fruits
- Deer mice
- Bird eggs
- Lizards
Foraging Methods
- Foraging
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eats
Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus
Primary food source for the island fox.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
A major aerial predator of young island foxes.
eats
Island Manzanita
Arctostaphylos insularis
Foxes consume its berries as a key food source.
eats
Black Rat
Rattus rattus
An introduced species that island foxes sometimes prey on.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
Channel Island Fox
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you see a fox, enjoy watching it from a distance and do not try to touch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is island fox?
59-79 cm
How much does island fox weigh?
1.3-2.8 kg
How long does island fox live?
4-6 years
How fast can island fox move?
25 km/h
What does island fox eat?
Island foxes are omnivores, eating fruits, insects, small mammals, and birds found on their island homes.
Where is island fox usually found?
Coastal areas
How does island fox hunt?
Foraging and Pursuit
How many babies does island fox usually have?
1-5
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