Along with coat color, variation between subspecies includes morphology (body shape), behavior, size, hunting habits, and habitat requirements. Vulpes vulpes fulva is the subspecies that occupies the northeast, and is just one of nine subspecies of red fox in North America. They are so variable across their expansive range that red fox have been divided into no fewer than 45 subspecies. This seems like a lot of variation for a single species - and it is. There is also an all black fox, while the so-called silver fox has a black coat but with silver tipped guard hairs, and on it goes. The melanistic and majestic cross fox has a black face, a mixed red/orange coat, and conspicuous black stripes down their backs and shoulders. Fox coats are often darker at higher latitudes, with winter coats both darker and thicker. Their dominant coat color is typically, and this time not surprising to anyone, red - with black legs and ears, and a white belly and tail tip. Large house cats tip the scales with more consequence. Males, or “dogs”, average about 11 lbs and females (vixens) 9 lbs. Even though it is the largest member of the “true foxes”, it is surprising to most just how diminutive red fox actually are. ![]() It has established itself world-wide, having the largest distribution of any land mammal - humans being the only exception. Legendary for their cunning cleverness, red fox are equally at home in the trackless wilderness as they are in a tract-housing development. The Red Fox of the Northeast: Vulpes vulpes fulva
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