6 NEBRASKAland • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015
PHOTO
BY
JUSTIN
HAAG
Wild Focus –
The Red Fox
By Lindsay Rogers
Red foxes are found across North
America. In Nebraska, they occupy
a wide range of habitats including
forest, prairie, farms and urban areas.
Contrary to popular belief, red
foxes are omnivores. They eat
primarily mice, rabbits, insects and
fruit. They often have two dens – a
main den used for birthing and
rearing young, and an emergency
den reserved if the primary den is
compromised.
Adult foxes can be killed by
coyotes, but this is more often for
territory than food. Territory marking
is evident through their scent which
is similar to a skunk, but sweeter.
Young are preyed upon by hawks
and larger mammals. Mating season
varies widely based on geographic
location – January-February in the
southern range and February-April
in the north. A classic red fox sign is
scat in the middle of a trail. ■
PHOT PHOT PHOTO
BY
O
BY
O
BY
JUS JUS JUSTIN
TIN TIN
HAAG HAAG HAAG
