Foxes are omnivorous small to medium-sized animals that belong to many species in the Canidae family. They feature a long bushy tail, a flattened head, erect triangular ears, a pointed, slightly upturned snout, and a pointed, slightly upturned snout (or brush).

The monophyletic “real foxes” group of the genus Vulpes includes twelve species. Around further 25 living or extinct species are referred to as foxes; these foxes are either members of the South American foxes’ paraphyletic group or the outlying group, which includes the bat-eared fox, gray fox, and island fox.

Except for Antarctica, foxes may be found on every continent. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread species of fox, with around 47 recognized subspecies. Foxes’ worldwide distribution and their renowned reputation for cunning have contributed to their popularity in popular culture and mythology in many cultures across the world. European settlers brought fox hunting with packs of hounds to various New World regions, which had long been a popular pastime in Europe, particularly in the British Isles.

Foxes are smaller than other members of the Canidae family, such as wolves and jackals, but they can be larger than other members of the family, such as raccoon dogs. Males of the biggest species, the red fox, weigh between 4.1 and 8.7 kilograms (9 and 19+14 pounds), whereas males of the smallest species, the fennec fox, weigh just 0.7 to 1.6 kilos (1+12 to 3+12 pounds).

A trapezoidal face, pointy ears, an extended rostrum, and a bushy tail are classic fox characteristics. They have digitigrade digitigrade digitigrade digitigrade (meaning they walk on their toes). Foxes, unlike other members of the Canidae family, have claws that may be partially retracted. Fox vibrissae, or whiskers, are black. The muzzle whiskers, known as mystacial vibrissae, average 100–110 millimeters (3+78–4+38 inches) in length, whereas the whiskers on the rest of the head are shorter. The forelimbs also have whiskers (carpal vibrissae), which are 40 mm (1+58 in) long and tip downward and backward. Other physical features differ according to the environment and adaptive value.

Fur color, length, and density vary amongst fox species. The hues of the coats range from pearly white to black-and-white to black, with white or grey flecks on the underside. For example, fennec foxes (and other desert-adapted fox species like kit foxes) have big ears and short fur to help keep their bodies cool. On the other hand, Arctic foxes have small ears and short limbs, as well as thick, insulating hair, to keep them warm. On the other hand, red foxes have a characteristic auburn coat with a white marking on the tail.

The color and texture of a fox’s coat can change with the seasons; fox pelts are richer and denser in the winter and lighter in the summer. Foxes moult once a year in April to shed their thick winter coat; the process begins at the foot, moves up the legs, and then down the back. The color of a person’s coat may also alter as they get older.

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