If you like foxes, here is a fine group
of them. Reggie Foxworthy from Boyds is at the far left.
The big handsome fox in the back comes from Cascade Toys who
unfortunately are now out of business. Next to Reggie is Sly
the White Bellied Fox made by Ty Inc. Sly is a Beanie Baby who
was retired in September of 1998. The bright red fox is Franklin,
who is a Puffkin by Swibco. Next we have Fannie the red
fox who represents the country of Germany. Fannie is a member
of the Coca-Cola International Bean Bag Collection. Ernie
Z. Foxworthy is last at the far right. Ernie is from Boyds.
These new foxes have come to live with
the other foxes at Jeannie's Cottage. These include, clockwise
from far left, the Bat-eared Fox made by Hansa Plush,
Roxy the Fox from Douglas Cuddle Toys, the two foxes next
to Roxy are from Wild Republic, Kerri the Fox from Douglas,
Banner the Fox from Purr-Fection, Farrah Foxit
from Bearington, and next to her is Sly the Beanie Baby.
And finally, at the feet of the large grey fox is a little red
Soft Spot fox from Ganz. Some of these are in the Gift
Shop.
The Red Fox (Vulpes fulva)
is most active at night, in the early morning and late evening.
It is also out and about during the day. They feed on animals
ranging in size from i
nsects to hares. They are wonderful mouse catchers
and do much to keep that rodent population in check. They will
also eat berries and other fruits.
A large fox stands sixteen inches at the
shoulder and weighs between five and ten pounds. It is about
30 inches long, not including the 15-inch tail.
The male brings food to the vixen for a
few days after the pups are born; later both parents bring food
to the young in the den. There can be more than one den in the
event the parents need to move the young. Fox parents will remain
together for one season.
The young are born in March or April. There
is one litter a year of about 4 to 8 pups. The gestation period
is about 51 days. Pups stay in the den for about one month. They
leave the parents in the fall to begin a life on their own.
The general range of the red fox covers
most of the United States, Canada, Alaska, Europe, Asia and the
dry regions of North Africa. Their life span is about 10 years
with a potential for 15 years under very good conditions.
Return
to Forest Friends Index.
