There are real legends about this cunning cheat with a curious muzzle and an inquisitive mind. Fairy tales and poems are written about her, pictures are painted and performances are staged. One of the varieties of this animal is the silver fox. Most often, it is grown for the purpose of obtaining beautiful and unusually warm fur. However, you can keep the fox at home, replacing the traditional pet. About the difference between the life of the notorious silver fox in the natural environment and in the house, we will tell in this article.
Origin story
The first information about foxes with unusual silver-black fur appeared in the first half of the 19th century. It was during this period that individual individuals of the silver fox were seen in Canada and North America. Later their numbers increased. However, due to the special value of the fur, this hybrid form of the wild Canadian fox began to be ruthlessly exterminated, therefore it quickly became under the threat of extinction.
At the moment, approximately 8% of such individuals from the entire fox population live in certain areas of Canada and North America. And the silver fox itself (a photo of the animal can be seen below) is listed in the Red Book and livesmainly in protected areas and fur farms.
A short description of the appearance of the fox
The silver fox is a medium-sized fur predator from the Canine family. Moreover, the body of the male is always larger than that of the female. For comparison, the length of an adult and mature fox is 66-85 cm, and that of a red female representative is only 55-80 cm.
The silver fox (its description will allow you to get more detailed information about the appearance of the animal) has a long, thick fur. Moreover, its color can vary from grayish-blue to ashy, black and classic black-brown. Often, individuals of this species are distinguished by a characteristic white tip of the tail. Sometimes small light spots are observed on the abdomen, paws and chest area. In a word, such a beautiful and unusual animal cannot be confused with anyone else.
It is noteworthy that the density of wool and its color variations directly depend on the season, habitat, diet and genes of previous generations.
Silver fox in nature
In nature, these predators, which are smaller than a wolf but larger than an ordinary dog, are found in the forests of Canada and the USA. Less often, their representatives can be seen in Russia. Most often, they settle away from people, as they cannot stand loud noise, and they are afraid of Homo sapiens themselves. Many of them can be seen in protected areas of nature reserves and parks.
The silver fox lives in a hole that he himselfdigging and equipping. It is in it that this noble and beautiful animal feels protected, so most of the time it is in its cozy house, leaving it only in search of food.
What does the silver fox eat?
Being in their natural environment, silver foxes feed mainly on small rodents. For example, with a successful hunt, they easily catch rabbits or mice. Somewhat less often they attack birds and may feed on lizards. These cunning and strong predators do not attack larger prey, as they themselves are not large.
Skillful and enterprising hunter
The silver fox is a brave and prudent hunter, capable of chasing his prey for hours without rest. She has a delicate sense of smell and excellent hearing, so she can find rodents even at a very long distance. This tracker will easily unravel the most intricate trail of his victim in a matter of minutes, overtake and eat. At the same time, the silver fox does not like to attack first.
Almost always she chooses to starve her opponent. Her task is to find and drive the victim so that she herself comes to her clutches. Of particular concern to the enemies of the fox is its sharp teeth and fangs, sharpened like small razors. With them, she sticks, for example, into a mouse and quickly divides it into parts.
The ability to confuse traces
No wonder they talk about the fox as a cunning animal capable of performing various deceptive maneuvers. And this applies not onlyfairy-tale characters, but also real black-brown individuals. So, according to many hunters, it is very difficult to find, and even more so to catch a cheat, because she skillfully hides and confuses her tracks, confusing her own pursuers. Here they were - and suddenly, as if evaporated.
Reproduction of foxes in nature
As a rule, a short-eared or silver fox reaches its sexual maturity by 9-11 months of its life. During this period, males begin an active search for their companion with a unique dark and shiny fur. And it only happens once a year. Pregnancy in females takes place as usual and is approximately 49-58 days. After that, the fluffy mother gives birth to offspring, numbering from four to thirteen little foxes.
After two weeks after birth, babies acquire sight and hearing, as well as their first sharp teeth. At this time, the mother continues to feed them with milk and she does this for a month and a half. Gradually, she adds coarser food to their diet, conducting a kind of survival lesson for the puppies. And after about six months, the mother fox is already beginning to take the children out of the hole, accustoming them to the future adult life. Very soon, the kids grow up, leave their father's house and begin to hunt separately and look for a new lair for themselves. All this happens in its natural habitat, but is it realistic to keep such an animal in captivity? And how fast does the silver 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, silver foxes are frequent guests in the home of modern people. However, their content is associated with certain difficulties. For example, before you start such a pet in your own apartment, you need to clarify how legal it is. So, in many countries it is strictly forbidden to keep such animals, especially those listed in the Red Book. Moreover, failure to comply with this prohibition entails administrative liability.
The second important point is the complete medical examination that the domestic silver fox must undergo. In this case, the animal must be taken to a veterinarian, who will make all the appropriate vaccinations and check the animal for rabies.
The third condition is the availability of a place where the animal will move freely. For example, it can be a free cage, an aviary or a special fence. But at the same time, one should also take into account the fact that silver foxes are considered excellent climbers and jumpers. Therefore, when creating free space for your pet, make sure that he cannot get out of it on his own.
In addition, you should take care of the presence of a container with sand or a small artificial house, where the animal could hide at the right time for him. And, of course, the place where the fox will live should be easily and regularly cleaned. Remember that cleanliness is the key to the he alth of your pet!
Games and entertainment
Because the fox belongs torepresentatives of the canine, it is also necessary to play with it, as with an ordinary puppy. Therefore, do not be stingy with the purchase of a variety of balls and special toys for animals. And, of course, do not forget that little fox cubs, like dogs, are teething. Therefore, they simply need to buy bones that they can chew and massage their gums with them.
Food and domestication
Most often, foxes quickly adapt to any diet. However, it is best to feed them dog food with the addition of vegetables and fruits. And remember, the more time you spend with your pet, the faster he will get used to you. Subsequently, it can even be taught to a leash and walk outside.
