In some ways foxes may appear to be like cats. They have long whiskers, and excellent night vision. Some foxes, such as the gray fox, also have retractable claws. The little red fox may look like your favourite pet and they are canines, which are relatives of dogs, wolves, and coyotes. They also prefer to hunt alone rather than in wolf-like packs. Some interesting fox facts for you:
- Red foxes have excellent hearing - they can hear rodents digging metres underground.
- These animals have more than 20 different calls.
- A group of foxes is called a skulk, or a leash.
- Kits (baby foxes) stay with their parents for about seven months.
Zoo Note: Simon is the zoo’s red fox and estimated to be born in 2013. He was a rescued wild orphan. It was thought that he would be unable to be reintroduced successfully back into the wild, so the zoo became his second chance at life.