THE FOX DENS, No. 23.
Of the many species of foxes found in North America, three species stand forth as the types of prominent groups, and it is very desirable that all three should be well known.
The Red Fox, (Vulpes fulvus), is the representative of the group which contains also the cross fox and black fox of the Northwest. In spite of dogs, traps, guns, spades and poison, this cunning creature persists in living in close touch with the poultry yards of civilized man. His perfect familiarity with old-fashioned dangers enables him to avoid them all, and no sooner does a new danger menace him than he promptly invents a way to escape it. The manner in which the Red Fox lives with civilization without being exterminated really is surprising, and speaks volumes for the astuteness of this animal.
The geographical range of the Red Fox is very wide, From North Carolina and Tennessee it extends northward through the whole northeastern United States, gradually bearing westward to Montana, and northward almost to the Arctic Ocean. It is the commonest species in Alaska, where it is found practically everywhere.
The typical Red Fox and its two subspecies, the Cross Fox, (Vulpes fulvus decussatus), and the Black Fox, (V. f. argentatus)—the latter many times miscalled the “Silver Fox”—vary in all possible gradations of color from bright red to pure black. Often it is difficult to decide where one type leaves off and another begins. The Cross Fox stands midway between the Red and Black, with some of the yellow color of the former on the sides of the neck and behind the foreleg, while the remainder of the general color is grizzled gray-brown laid across his shoulders in a more or less distinct cross. The Black Fox varies in color from very dark iron-gray to dark brown or black, with a slight wash of white-tipped hairs over the head, body and tail. The tip of the tail is always white, which is the only constant color mark about him.
The Swift, or Kit Fox, (Vulpes velox), is the daintiest, smallest and liveliest of all American foxes. From his delicate little nose to the tip of his well-trimmed tail, he is every inch a thoroughbred. His countenance is bright and pert, and when several specimens are kept together they are very playful. One striking feature of this little animal is what may well be termed its trimness. When in fair condition, its coat of thick, silvery gray fur is as smooth and even as if recently trimmed by a barber.
SWIFT OR KIT FOX.
On the western plains, where it once had for companions the buffalo and prong-horn, the Swift is becoming rare. Its worst enemy is the deadly strychnine bottle of the ranchman. This species does not thrive in the Fox Dens, and it will be found in the Burrowing Animal’s Quarters, where it seems pleased to consider itself at home.
In the Small-Mammal House is shown a new species, closely allied to the above, from Phoenix, Arizona, recently described by Dr. C. H. Merriam as Vulpes macrotis, or the Large-Eared Swift.
The Gray Fox, (Urocyon virginianus), is the fox of the South, even though it does range northward well into the territory of the red fox. This species is distinctly smaller and more lightly built than the red, its hair is not so luxuriant, it is more shy and retiring, and its colors change very little. When hotly pursued by dogs it often climbs trees that are quite perpendicular, to a height of twenty feet or more. In captivity Gray Foxes are forever trying to escape by climbing, instead of by burrowing, as would naturally be expected. In temper, they are treacherous to their keepers, and also to each other, and as “pets” are anything but desirable.
RED FOX.
The Tasmanian Wolf, or Thylacine, (Thylacinus cynocephalus), is a very strange-looking and interesting creature, about the size of a pointer dog. Its color is dark yellowish brown, and it has a series of broad black stripes, or bands, running across its hind quarters and loins. The wide gape of its mouth reminds one of an iguana or a monitor.
This animal, fully named above, is the largest of the carnivorous marsupials of Australia, and the female possesses an abdominal pouch in which she carries her young, like a kangaroo. It is now found only in Tasmania, and it dwells amongst rocks, in rugged and mountainous regions. Because of its depredations upon the sheep herds, the Thylacine has been diligently hunted and destroyed, and now living specimens rarely are taken.
In the zoological gardens of Europe and America, this species usually is kept in heated buildings, but it has been ascertained by experiment that this specimen thrives best in the open air. Living examples in captivity are now so very rare it is a difficult matter to keep one constantly on exhibition.