The annual estrous period of female red foxes last from 1 to 6 days. Mating System: monogamous polygynous cooperative breeder
Red fox groups always have only one breeding male, but that male may also seek mating outside of the group. Females mated to the same male fox may share a den. Often males and females are monogamous, but males with multiple female mates are also know, as are male/female pairs that use non-breeding female helpers in raising their young. Red fox mating behavior varies substantially. Other Physical Features: endothermic homoiothermic bilateral symmetry Body mass and length among populations also varies with latitude (being larger in the north, according to Bergmann's rule). Populations in southern deserts and in North America are smaller than European populations. Head and body length ranges from 455 to 900 mm, tail length from 300 to 555 mm, and weight from 3 to 14 kg. Red foxes are the largest of the Vulpes species.
The first digit, or dew claw, is rudimentary but clawed and does not contact the ground. The manus has 5 claws and the pes 4 claws. The premolars are simple and pointed, with the exception of upper fourth premolars, the carnassials. The tooth row is more than half the length of the skull. In Vulpes vulpes this gland is located 75 mm above the root of the tail on its upper surface and lies within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Red foxes, like many other canid species, have tail glands. These variants are about 25% and 10% of red fox individuals, respectively.
Silver foxes range from strong silver to nearly black and are the most prized by furriers. Cross foxes have reddish brown fur with a black stripe down the back and another across the shoulders. The lower part of the legs is usually black and the tail usually has a white or black tip. Coloration of red foxes ranges from pale yellowish red to deep reddish brown on the upper parts and white, ashy or slaty on the underside.
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