Swift Fox

Vulpes Velox

Swift foxes are found in Wyoming, primarily in the eastern plains, but their range is expanding westward into higher-elevation areas. As Wyoming's smallest canine, swift foxes are a "species of greatest conservation need". They live in shortgrass prairies but can adapt to other habitats like sagebrush steppe.

Within Wyoming, the swift fox population is stable or increasing. The swift fox has been documented outside its historic range in Wyoming with reports of individuals spotted on the western side of their assumed range boundary, suggesting a westward range expansion.

This species is abundant across suitable habitat throughout the state, but they are still vulnerable to various threats such as predation, habitat alteration and loss, energy development and vehicle collisions.

Phylum:

Chordata

Class:

Mammalia

Order:

Carnivora

Family:

Canidae

Subfamily:

Genus:

Vulpes

Species:

Velox

Native or nonnative?

Native

Wyoming classification

nongame

Closest relative

kit fox (Vulpes macrotis)

Diet

The swift fox is an omnivore with a broad diet. They will eat small mammals, such as lagomorphs, insects, birds and grass. Throughout the year, it is also common to see them scavenging on deceased animals such as pronghorn.

Top Speed

A swift fox can reach top speeds of up to 40 mph

Lifespan

Typically, 3 to 6 years in the wild

Size

Length: 27 to 32 inches Height: about 12 inches tall

Weight

around 5 pounds on average

Terminology

Male: reynard, todd, or dog Female: vixen Young: kit, cub, pup Group: leash or skulk

Swift fox fun facts

The swift fox is the smallest fox species in North America.

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They are typically smaller than an average house cat.

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On occasion, a swift fox and its pups may be spotted sunning themselves or playing near their den on a sunny winter day.

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The swift fox is the smallest member of the Canid family in North America.

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During winter, the swift fox will often create caches of food under the snow to consume later.

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Habitat

Swift fox habitat includes short-grass or mid-grass prairies with flat terrain or gentle rolling hills and shrubbery. Within Wyoming, this species also utilizes agricultural farmland. Another important aspect of swift fox habitat is their burrows or dens. They are known to dig their own burrows or locate and enlarge abandoned burrows from badgers and ground squirrels.

Adaptations

The swift fox has large ears that enable it to hear its prey and detect approaching predators. True to its name, this species is exceptionally fast. Its coat changes color with the seasons, providing camouflage that helps it avoid detection by predators.

Behavior

Unlike other canine species, such as coyotes, which use their dens primarily for breeding, the swift fox relies on its dens year-round for protection from the elements and to avoid predators. The swift fox is primarily nocturnal and concentrates its hunting efforts during the night. If seen outside its den, the swift fox is likely sunning itself during the colder months of the year.

Reproduction

Swift foxes mate between December and February and typically give birth to 4 or 5 pups in March or April. Juvenile swift foxes, which are called kits or pups, are close to full-grown within 4 or 5 months of birth.

Where to find and view

In Wyoming, their range primarily encompasses the eastern side of the state. Due to the nocturnal behavior of the swift fox, this species might be tricky to view, they can start to get active just after sunset and can be seen in the fading light. However, on a cold, sunny day, you might spot one sunning itself outside of its den.