Prairie Red-fox 709 



Another freak is the 'scorched' or 'Samson Fox.' This 

 has no long fur, nothing but wool; the cause of this is not 

 understood, and the pelt is worthless commercially. 



When seen running on the prairie, the present species ap- 

 pears a large straw-coloured animal, with black boots, and 

 enormous ears and tail. 



All Manitoba specimens hitherto examined belong to the 

 species regalis, but it is quite likely that in the north fulvus will 

 be found: 



Vulpes fulvus (Desm.) may be distinguished when alive 

 by its much smaller size, general deeper and intenser colours, 

 the greater amount of black on the ears and on each leg, and 

 the black spot on the base of the tail above. 



Cranially, also, they are well apart; the bullae of regalis 

 being much larger in proportion, etc. 



Life-history. 



So far as known, this Fox has a very limited range and range 

 is confined to the prairie country and adjoining woods. In 

 Manitoba it is found in all the south and west parts, on the 

 open prairie, in the poplar and pond country, and in much of 

 the spruce country. Its favourite localities are the half-open 

 regions — there are, indeed, very few creatures that like the 

 sunless depths of unbroken forests. The great belt of half- 

 timbered country from Roseau River to Dawson Bay probably 

 produces more Foxes than any other part of the Province, and 

 in this they especially affect localities that are broken by low 

 hills and ravines, or that are close to marshes and cover. 



It would be safe to estimate that in the days from 1880 to abun- 

 1890 there were 2 pairs of Foxes to every township of this great 

 belt, with half as many for the rest of the country. The 

 number of fox-tracks across any section of prairie within three 

 days of fresh snow made this easy to believe. According to 

 these data, there were at least 5,000 Foxes in Manitoba. 



