RED FOX 



Species and Subspecies of the Genus Vulpes 

 There is considerable similarity in general color pattern 

 between all the forms of North American Red Foxes. The 

 typical pelage for each form is reddish yellow and the varia- 

 tions are not sufficient to conceal the very obvious identity of 

 the animal. Most of the forms, perhaps all,occur in three 

 distinct color phases. The common pelage is the Red phase; 

 the rarest is the Black or Silver phase, which is simply a 

 melanistic specimen, black with more or less silver-tipped 

 hairs. The Cross Fox is an intermediate phase and while 

 rare is much more common than the Black phase. The 

 Cross Fox is reddish yellow above except for a dark band 

 across shoulders which, with the dark dorsal band, forms a 

 rough figure like a cross; a broad band of blackish from chin 

 down throat and belly. Plate XII. 



These three phases may occur in the same litter and some 

 forms of Vulpes seem to produce these color variations oftener 

 than others. 



Fulva Group. Red Fox 



Eastern Red Fox.— F«//)e5 /«/m (Desmarest). 



As described above. Found in the northeastern United 

 States. 



Long-tailed Red Fox.— Vulpes macroma Baird. 



''Size and general appearance oi fulva, but tail much loneer- 

 hind feet larger; black of feet and legs much less extensive " 

 Total length, males, 41 inches; tail vertebra, 18.5 inches- 

 hind foot 7 inches. Found in "Mountains of Colorado' 

 _Utah, and Wyoming." (Merriam) 



High Sierra Red Yox.— Vidpes necator Merriam. 



Resembling fulva in general color, but sides of nose much 

 darker less black on legs, dorsal region duller and redder 

 lotal length, males, 40 inches; tail vertebrae, 152 inches- 

 hind foot, 6.8 inches. Found in "Southern or High Sierra' 

 California." (Merriam) ' 



Cascade Red Fox.— Vulpes cascadensis Merriam. 



"A short-tailed small-toothed mountain fox of the fulva 

 group, commonest in the 'black-cross' pelage; when in red 

 pelage, yellow instead of fulvous." (Merriam) Upper- 

 parts straw-yellow, dorsal region golden yellowish; tail very 

 pale; black on ears and feet reduced. Total length males 

 43 inches; tail vertebras, 16.5 inches; hind foot, 7.1'inches' 

 Found m " Cascade Range in Oregon and Washington and 

 northern Sierra Nevada in California; northern limit un- 

 known." (Merriam) 



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