Vulpes vulpes, red fox

Vulpes vulpes is a resident of both open grasslands and forested regions. Its preferred habitat is in the deciduous forest but it is not limited to that environment. The red fox typically hunts along the forest edge. It is for this reason that an area along riparian zones is also suitable habitat. Riparian areas are richly diverse in resources necessary to the survivability of the red fox. There is an abundance of food selection, cover in which to take shelter from the elements, and brush to hide behind while in the pursuit of food. Vulpes vulpes is an opportunistic carnivore. It will feed primarily on cottontails and small rodents. A smaller portion of its diet will include crayfish, frogs, reptiles, ground nesting birds, and some fish. Red fox will forage for food throughout a wide range. At times that range may extend as far as four square miles. In prime habitat, the range may be as small as a half mile.