Swift Fox

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Craniata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae
Genus: Vulpes
Species: Vulpes velox

Characteristics

The swift fox is the smallest of the wild dogs in North America. Adults weigh 5 to 7 pounds and are approximately 12 to 16 inches tall and 31 inches long with the tail. This is equal to about the size of the domestic house cat.

They have a grayish tan coloration that extends to a yellowish-tan color across their sides and legs. The throat, chest, and belly are pale yellow to white. They have a black-tipped tail, black patches on the muzzle, and noticeably large eyes.

They received the name "swift" fox because of their ability to run at speeds up to 30 mph, which helps them catch food and avoid predators. Swift foxes also avoid predators by seeking shelter in burrows.

They are closely related genetically to the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis), with the kit fox being slight smaller. Hybrids between the two occur naturally where their ranges overlap.

Life Cycles

The adult breeding season of the swift fox varies with the region they live in but occurs from December through March with pups born in March to mid-May. Males mature and may mate at one year, while females usually wait until the second year before breeding. Adults live in pairs with some mating for life, while others choose different partners each year.

The gestation period is 51 days with one litter of 2 to 6 pups born per year. The pup’s eyes are closed for 10 to 15 days, leaving them dependent on the mother for food and protection. The swift fox may occupy up to 13 dens per year, following food sources or because skin parasites build up inside the den. The pups stay inside the den for a month and are usually weaned at 6 to 7 weeks. They remain with their parents until fall then disperse. In the wild, the swift fox usually live for 3 to 6 years.

Food

The swift fox is an omnivore and hunts continually from dusk to dawn, covering great distances each night in search of food. Their diet consists of small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, grasses, and berries.

Habits

The swift fox is mainly a nocturnal species. Daytime activities are confined to dens and vary seasonally. In winter, they may be seen sunbathing by the den during the warm midday period, while in summer, they only spend early evenings and nighttime above ground.

Population

There are scattered populations of the swift fox in the Great Plains of North America. Today, fragmented, smaller populations reside in portions of Montana, with the main, viable, and self-sustaining population in the northeastern portion of Montana. The coyote is its main predator with the badger, golden eagle, and bobcat being of lesser concern.

Habitat

The swift fox lives primarily in short grass prairies and deserts. They form their dens in sandy soil on open prairies, in plowed fields, or along fences where their food source may be abundant.

Economic Value

The fur of the swift fox is a valued commodity.

Distribution and Status

The main population of the swift fox is found in the northeastern part of Montana. It is a furbearer and is managed and protected by a regulated fur harvest season.