Black-haired fox: photo, description. Black-haired fox in nature and at home

About this cunning cheat with a curious face and inquisitive mind, there are real legends. About her make up tales and poems, draw pictures and put on performances. One of the species of this animal is the black-haired fox. Most often it is grown with the aim of extracting beautiful and unusually warm fur. However, you can keep the chanterelle at home, replacing the traditional pet. About what distinguishes the life of the notorious fox in the natural environment and in the house, we will tell in this article.

History of origin

The first information about foxes with unusual silvery-black fur appeared in the first half of the XIX century. It was during this period that individual foxes were seen in Canada and North America. Later, their numbers increased. However, due to the special value of fur, this hybrid form of the wild Canadian fox began to be ruthlessly exterminated, therefore it quickly found itself under the threat of extinction.

At present, in some areas of Canada and North America, about 8% of such individuals live from the entire fox population. And the very black fox (the photo of the beast can be seen below) is listed in the Red Book and lives mainly in protected areas and fur farms.

Short description of external fox data

The fox is a furry predator of medium size from the Sobach family. The body of a male is always larger than that of a female. For comparison, the length of an adult and sexually mature fox is 66-85 cm, while for a red-haired female representative - only 55-80 cm.

Black-mouthed fox (a description of it will provide more detailed information about the appearance of the animal) has a long, thick fur. And its color can vary from greyish-blue to ashy, black and classic black-brown. Often, individuals of this species differ in the characteristic white tip of the tail. Sometimes on the abdomen, paws and chest area there are small bright spots. In a word, such a beautiful and unusual beast can not be confused with anyone.

It is noteworthy that the density of wool and its color variations directly depend on the season, habitat, diet and genes of previous generations.

Black-rooted fox in nature

In nature, these predators, which are smaller in size than the wolf, but larger than an ordinary dog, are found in the forests of Canada and the United States. Less often their representatives can be seen in Russia. Most often they settle far away from people, as they do not make loud noises, and Homo Sapiens themselves are afraid. Many of them can be seen in the protected areas of nature reserves and parks.

A black-fox fox lives in a hole, which he digs and equips himself. It is in her that this noble and beautiful animal feels protected, therefore most of the time it is in its cozy little house, leaving it only in search of food.

What does a fox feed on?

Being in a natural environment, black fox foxes feed mainly on small rodents. For example, with a successful hunt, they easily catch rabbits or mice. More rarely they attack birds and can eat lizards. For larger prey, these cunning and powerful predators do not attack, since they themselves do not have large sizes.

A skilled and enterprising hunter

A black-haired fox is a brave and calculating hunter, capable of chasing his victim for hours without rest. She has a subtle nose and excellent hearing, so she can find rodents even at very great distances. This ranger easily unravels the most intricate track of his victim in a few minutes, overtakes and eats. In this case, the fox does not like to attack first.

Almost always she chooses her opponent's tactics. Her task - to find and drive the victim so that she herself came to her in the clutches. Particular fear of the fox's enemies is caused by her sharp teeth and fangs, sharpened like small razors. They, she snaps, for example, into the mouse and quickly divides it into parts.

Ability to confuse traces

It is not without reason that they speak of a fox as a cunning animal capable of performing various deceptive maneuvers. And this applies not only to fairy-tale characters, but also to real black and brown individuals. So, according to many hunters, it is very difficult to find, let alone catch a cheat, as it skillfully hides and confuses its tracks, confusing its pursuers. Here they were - and suddenly as if evaporated.

Reproduction of foxes in nature

As a rule, a short-eared or black-brown fox reaches its sexual maturity by the 9-11 months of his life. During this period the males begin active searches for their companion with a unique dark and shiny fur. And this happens only once a year. Pregnancy in females passes in the usual regime and is approximately 49-58 days. After that, a fluffy woman in labor has a offspring of four to thirteen small foxes.

Two weeks after the birth, the children acquire sight and hearing, and also the first sharp teeth appear. At this time, mom continues to feed them with milk and does it for one and a half months. Gradually, she adds to their diet and more coarse food, spending for puppies unique lessons of survival. And after about six months, the fox-mother is already starting to take the children out of the burrow, accustoming them to the future adult life. Very soon the kids grow up, leave their home and start hunting separately and find a new lair for themselves. All this happens in a natural habitat, but is it really possible to keep such a beast in captivity? And how fast does a fox grow at home?

How difficult is it to keep a fox at home?

Since it is fashionable today to keep exotic and wild animals at home, foxes are frequent visitors to the home of modern people. However, their content is associated with certain difficulties. For example, before you have a pet in your own home, you need to clarify how legitimate this is. So, in many countries to keep such animals, especially those listed in the Red Book, is strictly prohibited. Moreover, failure to comply with this prohibition entails administrative liability.

The second important point is a complete medical examination, which must pass the domestic black-fox fox. In this case, the animal must be shown to the veterinarian, who will make all the appropriate vaccinations and check the beast for rabies.

The third condition is the presence of a place where the animal will move freely. For example, it could be a free cage, aviary or a special fence. But it should also be taken into account that foxes are considered excellent climbers and jumpers. Therefore, when creating free space for your pet, make sure that he can not get out of it himself.

In addition, you should take care of the presence of a container with sand or a small artificial house, wherever the animal could hide at the right time for it. And, of course, the place where the chanterelle dwells must be easily and regularly cleaned. Remember that cleanliness is the guarantee of the health of your pet!

Games and Entertainment

Since the fox refers to the representatives of canine, it also needs to be played, as with an ordinary puppy. So do not be stingy to buy a variety of balls and special toys for animals. And, of course, do not forget that small foxes, like dogs, are chopped. Therefore, they just need to buy bones that can be chewed and massaged with their gums.

Nutrition and domestication

Most often foxes quickly adapt to any diet. However, it is best to feed them with dog food with the addition of vegetables and fruits. And remember, the more time you spend with your pet, the sooner he will get used to you. Subsequently, it can even be taught to leash and walk on the street.