Description
Scientific Name: Vulpes velox
Lifespan: In the wild, 3-6 years while in captivity up to 14 years
Swift foxes are diminutive animals that inhabit North America and are about the size of a house cat. Their colour is a dark, greyish tan that transitions to a golden tan down their flanks and legs. The colour of the belly, chest, and throat ranges from light yellow to white. They have black patches on their muzzles, and their tail has a black tip. The ears are distinctly big. Although males are slightly larger than females, males and females seem similar.
Behavior
Swift foxes are typically nocturnal, sociable animals. They often spend the day in their dens during the summer, only spending the evenings and nights above ground. Swift foxes, though, may spend some time above ground during mild middays in the winter. They also hide from predators in their dens. These dens are typically 2 to 4 meter-long underground tunnels. These tiny organisms have a tremendous rate of speed. They can move at speeds of more than 50 km/h (30 mph) or even 60 km/h (40 mph), depending on the terrain. They can catch food and evade predators thanks to their quickness.
Distribution
Native to the Great Plains region of North America, which includes Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, and Texas, swift foxes can be found there. Western grassland and short-grass grasslands are home to these creatures. They build their dens in sand behind fences, in ploughed fields, or on open grasslands.
As Pet
Their primary prey includes ground squirrels, rabbits, birds, mice, insects, and lizards. They also consume fruits and grasses as food. Swift foxes do, however, make use of the seasonal edibles, just like any skilled forager.
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