Fox habitats consist of different types of environments. Foxes live in many locations around the world and the habitats where they live vary between the type of fox and the location.
The ideal fox habitat has a food source, water source, and the type of weather that suits that species of fox. Foxes live in terrestrial habitats where they can thrive, such as grasslands, forests, deserts, and even the arctic tundra.
Red foxes live in many different locations around the world and are the most widely dispersed of all the canids. Whereas arctic foxes live primarily in the arctic and northern regions.
Let’s take a look at a few different conditions that make a habitat a perfect place for a fox, as well as species that live in these different biomes.
Where Are Foxes Most Commonly Found?
Foxes can be found in many countries and regions. The most common fox is the red fox, which can be found in North America, Canada, Asia, Europe, and many other locations.
Regions where foxes live:
- Americas
- Europe
- Asia
- Arctic
- Africa
- Middle East
See our article for Where do Foxes Live.
Food and Water Sources
One of the most important factors of habitats or biomes is the food and water source. Foxes need to be able to prey on animals that are local to their territory. Because each region has different food sources, foxes must rely on what is found in their region.
Fresh water is important for most animals on the planet. Foxes drink from rivers, streams, lakes, and any place where freshwater exists. When a fox scouts its home range, it looks for a water source that is nearby.
Some foxes, such as fennec foxes, live in desert regions where water sources are scarce. These foxes tend to absorb the water they need from the prey that they kill.
See our article on Desert Foxes.
Where Do Foxes Make Their Dens?
Once a fox has established what its home range and territory is, then it starts to locate places to build dens. Foxes use different dens for various reasons, mostly to give birth, get out of the weather, and raise their young.
Some dens are generational dens, that have existed for many years. Others are dens from other animals, that the fox has commandeered. They will also dig their dens, or build them in hollowed-out trees and piles of branches.
See our article for Fox Dens.
Urban Foxes and the City
Since urban areas are constantly expanding, the traditional habitats for foxes have changed over the years. Foxes have been pushed out of forests and have started to make their homes in urban areas. They build their dens underneath houses, in abandoned lots, and anywhere else they can get some privacy.
The urban environment offers foxes a scavenger food source, as well as a source of small mammals such as rodents. They will often feed on trash left behind by humans, or food that is placed out by humans, such as pet foods and food scraps.
Habitat destruction is a huge problem in the United States and the rest of the world. Reports show that in the U.S. “less than 25% of native vegetation remains in many parts of the East and Midwest” Source.
With the destruction of habitats, health is also a concern. In Europe, it has been reported that “Only 23% of species and 16% of its habitats are in good health” Source.
I believe our biggest issue is the same biggest issue that the whole world is facing, and that’s habitat destruction.
Steve Irwin
See our article on Urban Foxes.
Red Fox Habitats
Red foxes make their home in many different terrestrial landscapes. They live in forests, grasslands, in arctic regions, Asia, and they have even been brought into countries such as Australia.
Red foxes make their dens in the ground, in hollowed-out trees, under boulders, and more. You can find red foxes in most of North America, however, they are absent from most southern countries, such as Mexico and South America.
Red fox habitats have a food source, water source, and provide plenty of cover and places to build their dens. They can adapt very well to different climates, such as extreme cold conditions and temperate climates.
See our article for Red Fox Adaptations.
Arctic Fox Habitats
Arctic foxes can be found in many northern regions of the world. Mostly in the arctic regions such as Iceland, Greenland, Russia, and Canada. The arctic fox is the only land mammal in Iceland. They feed primarily on lemmings, rodents, and carrion left over by other animals.
Arctic fox habitats provide these foxes with food, fresh water, and deep underground dens, that they build under boulders and on the sides of cliffs. Some of their dens are generational and can be hundreds of years old. Arctic fox dens have been reported to have hundreds of openings.
See our article for Arctic Fox Adaptations.
Fennec Fox Habitats
Fennec foxes live in the desert regions of Africa. They survive in harsh desert conditions by eating primarily insects and rodents. Because there are not many freshwater sources for them, they absorb the water they need from the prey that they consume.
They build large dens under boulders and it has been reported that they have very large family units. Fennec foxes are the smallest fox species, they have huge ears that help them listen for prey and predators, as well as helping to regulate their body temperature.
More Foxes and Habitats
With over 30 species and subspecies of foxes, there are many more regions and biomes where foxes live. Let’s take a quick look at a few more foxes and their habitats.
Tibetan Sand Fox and Corsac Fox
Both the Tibetan sand fox and the corsac fox, live in similar biomes. The Tibetan sand fox lives in mountainous and high elevation areas. They occupy the Tibetan Steppes and can be found near barren slopes and riverbeds. Tibetan sand fox habitats provide everything that they need to survive. Source.
Corsac foxes live in central Asia, Mongolia, and Tibet. They inhabit steppes and semi-desert biomes. Corsac fox habitats include savannas, grassland, dunes, and deserts.
Kit Fox Habitats
The kit fox lives in southern parts of North America as well as parts of Mexico. They inhabit deserts, savannas, grasslands, and chaparrals. Kit fox habitats are full of different types of animals such as prairie dogs, jackrabbits, and cottontail rabbits.
They prefer loose soil to make their dens and the dens have 1-2 entrances covered in brush or boulders.
Swift Fox Habitats
Swift foxes live primarily in the United States. They occupy short grasses and prairies. They can be found in Texas, Wyoming, Kansas, and as far north as Montana.
Swift fox habitats are found mostly in short grasses and open areas and they tend to stay away from large crop areas and tall grasslands.
See our article for Gray Fox Habitats.
Signs There Are Foxes Nearby
Knowing what animals are in an area is important for gathering ecological data. Most animals leave behind signs that they live in the area, such as fecal matter, scratches in trees and on rocks, and footprints.
Foxes have glands in their paws, so they will mark tree branches and rocks by rubbing their paws on them. They also mark their territory with urine and scat. If you find any of these signs, then there is a chance that an animal or fox is in your area.
See our article for Fox Tracks.
See our article for Fox Poop.
Conclusion
Foxes are extremely adaptable. Fox habitats offer foxes just about everything they need to thrive in a region. Foxes are solitary creatures, so even if you do not see them in your area, it doesn’t mean they are not there.
Be sure to follow the links in this article and category to find out more about what makes foxes one of the most adaptable animals on the planet.
