Rusty (Red Fox)
Vulpes vulpes
The Eastern Red Fox is not native to the
western United States. It is often mistaken for a gray fox which has reddish
brown trim on their sides. A true red fox is easy to identify since it is 14-16
inches tall, is a tawny reddish-brown color with a lighter underside, has long
legs with black stockings, and sports a vivid white-tipped tail. The red fox is
from the East Coast brought in for fur and sport hunting many years ago. Some escaped and have bred all over the
Central Valley. The Department of Fish
and Wildlife prefers the red fox not exist in the Central Valley because of the
danger it poses to the native California fox such as the endangered kit fox.
In the spring of 2018, we received a
litter of red fox. All four survived. Being illegal to release non-native fox
and not wanting to euthanize them, we decided to give them sanctuary. We have
recently spayed and neutered them. They are in our renovated red fox enclosure
where they are able to be together and get exercise. They have definitely recognized each other
and have been playing together. They are shy, so you will have to look for them
in their various hiding places.