Swift fox
Scientific name: Vulpes velox
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Pale yellowish-tan coat with darker fur along the back and tail tip; underparts are whitish. Foxes are lean and fine-boned with large, rounded ears and a black patch on the muzzle; males average slightly larger than females.
Size and weight
Males 1.3–2.0 kg, females 1.2–1.8 kg; body length 38–50 cm, tail 20–30 cm.
Habitat
Swift foxes inhabit open grasslands, shortgrass prairie, and semi-arid plains with sparse vegetation. They prefer areas with gentle terrain and minimal tree cover, typically at elevations between 1,000–2,000 m.
Distribution
Found across interior western North America from southern Canada through the Great Plains to Mexico. Within range, they favour open prairie and grassland habitats with low human disturbance.
Diet
Primary diet of small rodents (voles, mice, ground squirrels), supplemented with insects, birds, rabbits, and cached food from carrion; consumption varies seasonally with prey availability.
Behaviour
Primarily crepuscular and nocturnal; solitary or in monogamous pairs that may den year-round. Swift foxes are highly mobile with regular movement between foraging areas and rest sites; they often use established trails and may cache surplus food.
Hunting tips
Look for tracks (2.5–4 cm diameter, four toes on hind foot) and scattered scat along game trails and ridge tops at dawn and dusk. Approach into the wind across open terrain using available low vegetation and undulations for concealment. Foxes rely heavily on hearing; stalk slowly and stop frequently to scan with binoculars, as their pale colouring makes detection difficult in open country.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.