FOXES Senior Classes Scoil Naomh Caitrona Foxes There

FOXES Senior Classes Scoil Naomh Caitríona

Foxes • There almost 27 species of fox in the world. • The most common by far is the red fox. • You may have heard of the Arctic Fox. Here is an Arctic Fox.

Language of foxes! • The male fox is usually known as a dog. • The term Reynard is also used for the male. • The female is called a vixen. • The young are called cubs, kits or pups. • A group of foxes is called a skulk. • The adjective for the fox is VULPINE.

General Characteristics • Most foxes live 2 to 3 years but can survive for up to 10 years. • Foxes are slightly smaller than most dogs, roughly the size of a cat. The fox has an acute muzzle (a pointed face) and a bushy tail.

Fox prints • Compare to those of the badger…

Diet • Foxes do not live in packs. • They are opportunistic feeders that hunt live prey, especially rodents. • Urban foxes hunt in bins and gardens for scraps of food. • The fox will eat meat and plants. • Of course the farmer isn’t pleased if the fox raids the poultry coop!

Culture and the Fox… • An Ghaeilge ar “fox” ná: • sionnach, agus madra rua. • The Midnight Fox is a popular book by Betsy Byars. • An “Madra Rua” is a famous piece of music for the uileann pipes. • Fox-hunting is a sport. Do you agree?

Cartoons and foxes Sly fox! Foxy Lady! Cute as a fox!