What do you think you know about foxes? Not much, I’m sure.
Hello! I’m the fox here!
Perhaps for humans, I am one of the most controversial creatures. In fairy tales, I always play the villain, whether it’s stealing chickens or kidnapping children. In real life, I seem to be more loved—perhaps due to my beautiful appearance. Rumor has it that in the future, I will become the most popular pet, dethroning those silly dogs and cats in your homes.
But before you consider adopting one, let me ask: do you really understand me? There are many misconceptions out there.
1. I am strangely similar to cats
There’s a saying among humans: “Old cats turn into foxes.” Part of this saying refers to the idea that the older cats get, the more cunning and clever they become, much like foxes. But the other part is that we have many similarities.
For instance, like cats, I am nocturnal. My pupils are vertical, allowing me to see well at night, just like cats.
I also have claws and a rough tongue, similar to cats. Our movement is similar as well; we walk on our pads, making it incredibly silent for hunting. In fact, some of my fox relatives even live in trees, just like cats.
2. But in reality, I am a dog…
The saying “Old cats turn into foxes” has a fundamental mistake. A cat cannot turn into a fox, simply because we are dogs.
More specifically, I belong to the dog family, closely related to domestic dogs and wolves. I have a long face—like a dog— and a bushy tail—also like a dog. However, unlike dogs, I do not live in packs; I am always independent. Also, I am the only member of the dog family that knows how to use my claws, unlike those useless creatures.
3. A myriad of shapes and sizes
When you hear the word “fox,” you probably think of the red ones with long ears and bushy tails, right? That’s the red fox, the most common species in the world.
In reality, “fox” is a general term for a large family that includes many different species (around 27 siblings, if I’m not mistaken). Some are smaller than cats, weighing just 1 kilogram and living in the desert. Others are pure white, living in the Arctic, with thick and imposing fur.
4. Foxes can change their appearance
At least in the case of the Arctic fox. This “dad” fox has thick, pure white fur that is layered, and it takes temperatures dropping to -70°C for it to feel cold.
However, in the summer, when the ice melts and the ground is exposed, this fur sheds completely, replaced by a new coat of gray or brown. It transforms better than chameleons.
5. Extremely intelligent, can become a spirit
I’m not being boastful, but I am very intelligent. The evidence is that in every culture, foxes are always seen as symbols of cleverness and cunning, right?
If I remember correctly, in some East Asian countries, foxes are believed to be creatures that can cultivate to become spirits—also known as “huli jing.” Those of you who read Naruto might know Kurama (the nine-tailed fox)? That’s a fox.
According to legend, if I cultivate enough to grow three tails, I will transform into a spirit fox. If I grow six tails, I become a demon fox; nine tails, and I can transform into a human. But that’s just a rumor; right now, I only have one tail to my name, and I have no idea when I’ll grow another.
6. Speaking of whiskers, foxes also have a few whiskers on their feet. This helps them easily shape the appearance of their enemies, especially in the dark.
7. Besides the whiskers on their feet, foxes can also use the Earth’s magnetic field to hunt. Researchers have noticed that foxes often jump in a northeast direction when spotting prey hiding. These attacks are mostly successful, while jumping in other directions results in a higher failure rate. Experts believe they use the Earth’s magnetic field to measure distance and locate prey.
8. Foxes can run at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72 km/h), making them one of the fastest animals in the world!
9. Even if you encounter a wild fox, it will not eat you. They have an omnivorous diet primarily consisting of rodents, small mammals, plants, and birds.
10. Foxes can survive in the wild for about 2 to 3 years. However, they can live up to 10 years in captivity.
