Kit Fox: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Foxes and Raccoon Dogs · day 7 of 7

Five facts

1. A grown kit fox weighs only 1.6 to 2.7 kg on average, and its bushy tail makes up about 40% of its total length.
2. One fox usually uses more than 11 dens a year. Some it digs itself, others it borrows from badgers, prairie dogs or kangaroo rats.
3. Stiff tufts of hair on the soles of its feet give it grip on sand and shield it from very hot or cold ground.
4. It looks very fast because it is small, well camouflaged and great at dodging. One was timed at about 40 km/h, but tired quickly.
5. It pants faster as the air gets hotter. This way of panting saves water, though it costs more energy.

The quiz

1. How much does a kit fox weigh on average?

• 200 to 300 g
• 1.6 to 2.7 kg (correct)
• 10 to 15 kg
• 25 to 30 kg

On average it weighs only 1.6 to 2.7 kg.

2. How many dens does one kit fox usually use in a year?

• More than 11 (correct)
• Just one
• Exactly two
• None, it sleeps in the open

An individual usually uses more than 11 dens a year.

3. What do the hair tufts on a kit fox's soles do?

• Help it swim
• Help it climb trees
• Leave a scent trail
• Give grip on sand and protect from heat or cold (correct)

The stiff tufts improve grip on sand and protect against extreme temperatures.

4. Why does a kit fox seem faster than it really is?

• It runs on its back legs
• It is small, camouflaged and great at dodging (correct)
• Its legs are longer than a wolf's
• It glides with its tail

Its speed is partly an illusion from its small size, colouring and dodging.

5. What does the kit fox's way of panting save?

• Energy
• Fur
• Water (correct)
• Teeth

Its panting saves water, though it costs more energy.

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