What is a melanistic red fox?

A melanistic red fox has a higher-than-normal amount of melanin, a pigment that gives it a dark or black appearance. These foxes are sometimes called silver foxes.

Can you adopt a red fox?

You can symbolically adopt a red fox family through our program, supporting conservation and environmental stewardship efforts.

What threats do red foxes face?

Red foxes face threats such as habitat destruction, the fur trade, and the exotic pet industry. Conservation efforts help protect them from these dangers.

Red Fox

With the largest native range of any carnivore on the planet, the red fox can be spotted in urban settings as well as forests, deserts, and even tundras!

About Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

These adaptable canids aren't always red... just wait until you meet Cooper!

Where do red foxes live?

It is easier to say where in the northern hemisphere they don’t live than where they do! They do not live in Iceland, Arctic islands, parts of Siberia, or Korea.

But red foxes have the largest native range of any carnivore on the planet – covering almost the entire northern hemisphere!

They have been introduced to a number of areas, including Australia and several Eurasian islands, where their impact is notable on native wildlife.

Red fox habitats range from tundra to desert, from forests to urban areas.

Is the red fox endangered?

Red foxes are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an animal of least concern, with a few notable exceptions: Red foxes are considered near threatened in Mongolia and are considered extinct in Korea.

One of their greatest threats is the fur industry. Even though the number has sharply declined since the 1900s, more foxes are raised in the fur trade than any other animal, with the possible exception of the American mink.

How big is a red fox?

Red foxes typically measure between 18 to 33 inches in body length, with their bushy tails adding another 12 to 16 inches to their impressive stature. They weigh anywhere from 8 to 24 pounds.

What do red foxes eat?

Red foxes are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet that includes small mammals like voles, rabbits, and rodents, as well as birds, insects, and even fruits and berries, allowing them to thrive in various habitats from dense forests to urban areas.

Meet Our Melanistic Red Fox Cooper

Melanistic means having a higher-than-normal amount of melanin, a pigment that gives color to skin, hair, fur, or feathers, resulting in a dark or black appearance. We don’t know much about Cooper's background, but Cooper was likely born into the pet trade. A caring individual who noticed his behavior did not match that of a wild fox notified the Wildlife Rescue Center. When he arrived at the Endangered Wolf Center he immediately worked his way into everyone’s hearts! Melanistic foxes are sometimes called silver foxes.

Cooper & Artie's Fox Family

From the pet trade to animal ambassadors.

Read thier story

Adopt Our Fox Family

With threats like the fur trade and exotic pet industry, we're working to ensure environmental stewardship that will benefit foxes like Cooper. Your symbolic adoption of our fox family includes a special adoption package.

Adopt