The red fox is the largest member of the true foxes. Members of the genus vulpes of the sub-family caninae, are referred to as true foxes. True foxes are separated from other members of the genus Canis, such as dogs, wolves, jackals, and coyotes, by their smaller size, longer tail and flatter skull. The red fox’s typical lifespan is 2 to 4 years, but can live up to 10 years. It is found across the Northern Hemisphere, North America, Europe and Asia. Including parts of North Africa. Its range has expanded with human expansion, as well been introduced to Australia. Where it is harmful to native mammals and birds, helping it to be in the “world’s 100 worst invasive species”. Climate change has also helped expand its range, helping it move north in Canada into Arctic Fox territory. Becoming one of its predators.
In Banff National Park, Red Fox is native to the area. In the last number of years, are becoming spotted more often in the Bow Valley. Unfortunately, also in a few locations that are frequented by park visitors, possibly being fed. Red Foxes are perfectly fine finding their own food, the Bow Valley has everything they need to survive. Most of the time, I tend to see red foxes in the colours we normally associate them with, and on occasion the variant of the red fox, called the cross fox. Which has a long dark stripe running down its back and another intersecting stripe to form a cross over the shoulder. This one was out hunting on the edge of the woods one morning, when I came across it.
