swift fox
ExploreMammals
swift fox
Vulpes velox
The swift fox is a small, quick animal that loves to run and play in the grasslands. They have beautiful orange and gray fur and are known for their playful nature.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The swift fox is a small, lean fox with yellowish-tan fur, a pale underside, and large, prominent ears. It has distinctive dark patches on either side of its muzzle and a bushy tail with a black tip, helping it blend into its grassland home.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyCanidaeGenusVulpes
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Swift foxes are one of North America's smallest wild canids!
Swift foxes often mate for life, which is rare among many fox species!
Their dark eye patches might help reduce sun glare, like a baseball player's eye black.
They sometimes use old prairie dog or badger burrows instead of digging their own.
Special abilities
Ability
Prairie Dash
The swift fox can run up to 60 km/h because of its long legs, helping it chase small prey and escape predators.
Ability
Super Hearing
Swift foxes have large ears that help them pinpoint faint sounds of prey underground or hidden in tall grass.
Ability
Burrow Master
This fox can dig complex dens using its strong claws, providing a safe home for pups and an escape from danger.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 37-53 cm
- Weight
- 1.8-3 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-6 years
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Litter Size
- 2-6
- Gestation
- 51-57 days
Diet & Feeding
These foxes eat mostly small mammals and insects, with some plants too.
Primary Foods
- Mice
- Voles
- Prairie dogs
- Rabbits
- Grasshoppers
- Berries
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Coyote
Canis latrans
Coyotes are major predators of swift foxes.
hunts
Black-tailed jackrabbit
Lepus californicus
Swift foxes often hunt juvenile jackrabbits.
hunts
Black-tailed prairie dog
Cynomys ludovicianus
Swift foxes hunt prairie dogs and use their burrows.
eaten by
Golden eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
Golden eagles prey on swift foxes from above.
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.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Plains Fox
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you see a swift fox in the wild, enjoy watching it from a distance and do not approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is swift fox?
37-53 cm
How much does swift fox weigh?
1.8-3 kg
How long does swift fox live?
3-6 years
How fast can swift fox move?
60 km/h
What does swift fox eat?
These foxes eat mostly small mammals and insects, with some plants too.
Where is swift fox usually found?
Grasslands
How does swift fox hunt?
Pursuit
How many babies does swift fox usually have?
2-6
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