V. vulpes Skull Replica measures 5.7 inches. V. vulpes Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Made in USA. Known as Red Fox.
The largest species within the genus V. vulpes, the Red Fox has a native range spanning most of North America and Eurasia. Carnivore of the deep forest the artic tundra, prairies, and farmlands. Eurasia, North Africa and North America.
Apart from its large size, the Red fox is distinguished from other fox species by its ability to adapt quickly to new environments. Despite its name, they often produce individuals with other colorings, including leucistic and melanistic.
Red foxes are the largest species of the genus Vulpes. However, relative to dimensions, red foxes are much lighter than similarly sized dogs of the genus Canis.
Their limb bones, weigh 30 percent less per unit area of bone than expected for similarly sized dogs.They display significant individual, sexual, age and geographical variation in size.
On average, V. vulpes adults measure 14 to 20 in. high at the shoulder and 18 to 35 in. in body length with tails measuring 11.8 to 21.9 in. The ears measure 3.0 to 4.9 in. Weights range from 4.9 to 30.9 lb, with vixens typically weighing 15–20% less than males.
Adult red foxes have skulls measuring 5.1 to 6.6 in., while those of vixens measure 5.0 to 6.3 in.
They trot at a speed of 3.7 to 8.1 mph, and have a maximum running speed of 31 mph). They have a stride of 9.8 to13.8 in. when walking at a normal pace.
Red fox skulls are fairly narrow and elongated, with small brain cases. Their canine teeth are relatively long. Their skulls are distinguished from those of dogs by their narrower muzzles, less crowded premolars, more slender canine teeth, and concave rather than convex profiles.
The V. vulpes has an elongated body and relatively short limbs. The tail, which is longer than half the body length is fluffy and reaches the ground when in a standing position.
Their pupils are oval and vertically oriented. Nictitating membranes are present, but move only when the eyes are closed.
Red fox or V. vulpes forepaws have five digits, while the hind feet have only four and lack dewclaws. They are very agile, being capable of jumping over 6 ft. fences, and swim well.
They are usually together in pairs or small groups consisting of families, such as a mated pair and their young, or a male with several females having kinship ties. The young of the mated pair remain with their parents to assist in caring for new kits.
The average litter size consists of four to six kits. Kits are born blind, deaf and toothless, with dark brown fluffy fur. At birth, they weigh 2.0–3.9 oz.
Mothers remain with the kits for 2–3 weeks, as they are unable to thermoregulate.
The kits’ eyes open after 13–15 days, during which time their ear canals open and their upper teeth erupt, with the lower teeth emerging 3–4 days later. Their eyes are initially blue, but change to amber at 4–5 weeks.
The V. vulpes primarily feeds on small rodents, though it may also target rabbits, game birds, reptiles, invertebrates and young ungulates. Fruit and vegetable matter is also eaten sometimes.
