Description: The
smallest fox (head and body: 40 - 50 cm [15 - 20 in.], approx. 3 - 5 lbs.)
in Nevada with notably large ears relative to the head and a long, cylindrical
bushy tail. Fur is pale gray dorsally, tawny to slightly orange-red on the
sides, and undersides whitish. Only the tail tip is black. Compared to thekit
fox, the larger gray fox (Urocyon argenteus) has smaller ears, its coat dorsally
steel gray with orange-red sides, whitish belly and tail grayish, thickly
furred, triangular in cross section with a black dorsal “mane” running
the length to the black tip. The only other similar looking wild dog is the
much larger coyote (Canis latrans). Kit foxes generally attain adulthood
by their second year, mate for life, and breed from January to February;
3 - 5 pups are born during March and April. Kit foxes are dependent on a
series of dens (usually earthen) throughout the year to survive harsh desert
extremes and predators, and to rear young.
Diet: Primarily rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, eggs, scorpions, and crickets.
Habitat: Uses a variety of habitats. In Nevada, primarily
inhabits Mojave desert scrub, salt desert scrub, blackbrush, mesquite, and
lowland riparian; may also frequent sagebrush and agricultural lands below
5,000 feet elevation.
Range: Kit foxes are associated with the arid southwest of North America.
Comments: Although not widely accepted, fairly recent studies indicate
that the swift foxes (V. velox) of the Great Plains and kit foxes do not warrant
nominal species distinction. However, swift and kit foxes are distinct subspecies,
hence the suggested nominal subspecies of V. v. velox and V. v. macrotis, respectively.
D.
Bradford Hardenbrook, Nevada Department. of Wildlife
