A fox is the most common animal at first glance. They occupied almost all natural zones. They can easily be found in forests, in the steppes, in the mountains and in deserts. They are considered very beautiful; it is not without reason that poems, fairy tales and paintings are devoted to them.
This beast often appears in our folk tales. There, foxes are always represented cunning, smart and resourceful. They can be both positive and negative characters.
In stories, they are ready to cheat, to profit at any cost, or to help a fellow man. But how true is that? What does modern man really know about these animals?
In this article, we will cover 10 interesting facts about foxes.
10. There are 10 species of foxes
"Fox" is the common name of the genus. Currently 10 species belong to the wolf subfamily. There is no clear structure in the classification, some species are excluded, some are added.
For example, the Arctic fox and the polar fox are in question. Officially, they do not belong to any genus, stand alone, because scientists have not yet come to a definite solution.
Interesting fact: the maned wolf, which due to its appearance must be involved in this genus, is absolutely not a fox. This is a relict species that survived the extinction of most of its environment.
9. There are 3 species in Russia
Despite the great diversity of species, only three inhabit the territory of Russia. The first and most common is the common fox. About 50 subspecies also belong to this, but these are subtleties. It looks like it is presented in fairy tales: the coat is of all shades of red, the white tip of the tail, from below either black or white.
The second type is corsac. It can be found in the southeast of the country. He is like an ordinary fox, only smaller than her in size. Usually his coat is brownish-gray, and the main difference from the others is very broad and noticeable cheekbones.
The third species is the Arctic fox, although there is still no exact solution for it. They live in the circumpolar zone, therefore they have amazing resistance to cold.
8. The smallest variety - Fenech
This species is considered the smallest among all foxes.. The size of the body does not exceed 40 centimeters, although if measured with the tail, it can be all 80 centimeters.
Fenech lives in the desert, in a dry and hot area. Perfectly learned to live in northern Africa. So, for example, their paws are covered with very thick fur, so they just do not feel the hot sand of deserts and semi-deserts. They have very large ears, which makes them seem cute, but not predators.
However, this is not only to hear any movement in the sand. Big ears promote blood circulation in the body, so Fenech can cool faster. And this name was called so, because "Fanac" translated from Arabic means "Fox".
7. The tail helps keep you warm in winter and maintain balance.
The tail for the fox is not only a matter of pride. It carries a very important function - it helps the beast survive.
When running fast, when the foxes develop high speed, it serves as a kind of balance and helps not to lose balance.
Moreover, with its help, this cunning animal can turn very quickly. With a pursuit and a threat to life, they simply sharply deploy it at a right angle, and due to this, quickly deploy themselves. In the tail can be stored reserves for the worst case of hunger. They animals cover themselves and cubs in the cold.
Interesting fact: The fox tail smells like violets! There is iron, which produces a floral aroma. Therefore, the expression “sweep traces” takes on a slightly different meaning, foxes also hide not only paw prints on the ground, but also hide their smell.
6. Single animal
Foxes usually live alone. They pair for one season during the mating season. They produce and then train offspring together, then to scatter.
The rest of the year they hunt and survive one at a time.
The only exceptions are Korsaki and Fennies. The former form permanent pairs and no longer change their partners. And the latter live in communities constantly. Typically, such "flocks" consist of more than ten individuals.
5. Throws the hedgehogs into the water so that they open
The fox really differs in cunning and quick wit. There are not many animals in nature who are a danger to hedgehogs. However, foxes cope with an obstacle in the form of needles. They guessed to dump the hedgehogs into the water.
As soon as the sly one finds her future dinner, she begins to roll it to the nearest pond. There, the hedgehog opens up on instincts, the needles get wet, and nothing else can stop the fox from eating.
However, there is an opinion that hedgehogs smell very bad, so foxes eat them only in case of hunger.
4. A curious way to deal with fleas
Foxes, just like other animals, suffer from fleas. Only these tricky creatures learned to trowel them. They pick up the hay in their teeth, and then go to the nearest pond. There, backing away, they are gradually immersed in water.
Fleas run to drier places and end up in hay, which the fox holds in his teeth.. When most fleas leave the animal alone, the fox simply throws hay into the water and then calmly leaves.
While dogs prefer to bite small insects one at a time, foxes have found a way to get rid of almost everyone at once.
3. Professionally messes up tracks
And here is another proof of the trick. For as long as this species exists, foxes have learned to save their lives perfectly, get away from chasing, and confuse tracks. This is one of the most essential skills for survival.
When the chase begins on the fox, she switches from a regular leisurely trot to a faster run. Often moves in great rapid leaps so that no tracks remain on the ground. This knocks down hunters.
Constant changes of direction, sharp turns and unexpected decisions - all this describes the smart beast in the best way possible while saving his life.
2. Much in common with domestic cats
Recently, more and more diverse pets appear in people's homes. Chanterelles were no exception. They are very similar to domestic cats in their behavior..
They must be brought up, otherwise the animal can harm not only furniture, but also the owner. However, they are easy to train. Themselves at home are very friendly.
They will play with the owners just like cats. But do not forget that, since the animal is wild in nature, it needs to provide some care.
1. "Demons of Fire" in Ancient China
Previously, foxes suffered greatly from people's beliefs. In Chinese mythology, they have a separate place. This animal was presented there as a bad omen.
It was a creature associated with evil spirits. It was believed that fire was enclosed in its tail. As soon as the beast hits them on the ground, everything around them flares up. People believed that he can take the form of any person only for the sake of one single purpose - to fool their heads.
But not only in China they were revered as "demons of fire." The same fame was in foxes in ancient Rome.. Here, the beast was also associated with treachery and treachery.
At the festival in the name of the goddess Tsetsera, the Romans tied a burning torch to the tail of foxes and forced them to run through the fields, considering this "ritual" protection from a fire in the fields.