Foxes
You are now visiting the fox habitats.
Foxes are intelligent, adaptable members of the canine family found throughout much of the world. Although they are often grouped together, different fox species have evolved to survive in very different environments, from snowy Arctic tundra to forests, grasslands, and deserts.
Here at Cat Tales, you may see both red foxes and Arctic foxes.
Red foxes are the most widespread wild carnivores in the world and are known for their intelligence, agility, and vocal personalities. Foxes communicate using a surprising variety of sounds, including barks, screams, chirps, and sharp vocalizations called “gekkers.”
Living here are Todd and Trixie, sibling red foxes with very different appearances and personalities. Trixie has darker markings, while Todd displays the more classic reddish-orange coloration many people associate with red foxes. Throughout the year, they take turns being more dominant around feeding time, giving staff insight into changing fox social dynamics.
Nearby are Jasper and Jinx, silver foxes, which are actually a melanistic color variation of the red fox. Even foxes from the same litter can have completely different coat colors. Jinx is known for loudly “gekkering” at seemingly nothing in particular, while Jasper can often be identified by the bright white tip of his tail.
Kali, another red fox, prefers living alone, which is common behavior for many foxes in the wild. She is especially expressive and playful and is often seen carrying around her favorite enrichment toy — a red lobster affectionately referred to by staff as “her baby.”
You may also notice the Arctic foxes, Buddy and Jovie. During winter, their coats turn bright white for camouflage in snowy environments, but in summer they shed into darker brown and gray colors. Arctic foxes are incredibly well adapted for cold weather, with compact bodies, furry foot pads, and small ears that help conserve heat even in temperatures far below zero.
Foxes are excellent diggers, climbers, hunters, and problem solvers. Take a moment to watch their movement, posture, and curiosity. Much of a fox’s personality can be seen in the way it observes and reacts to the world around it.
Thank you for joining the Cat Tales Wildlife Center audio tour. Your visit today helps support lifelong care, education, and compassionate wildlife management for the animals who call Cat Tales home.