Unit 1 [PDF] - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

CITES - Convention on International
Trade of Endangered Species
(regulates trade of endangered species
and look-alike species between
countries)
Red Fox.
Front
Rear
Red fox tracks.
Front
2” width by 2.5” length
Rear
2” width by 2” length
Sets for red or gray fox:
• Dirt-hole
• Scent-Post
• Flat Set
• Trail Set
Chapter 4 - Wisconsin’s Furbearer Resource
Other items like a bird wing, a strip of fur, or a feather can also be used
but are considered “sight exposed bait” and in Wisconsin, must be placed
at least 25 feet from the trap.
Note: A special permit is required to trap a bobcat. Once harvested it
must also be registered with the DNR and be tagged with a special CITES
tag. Parts of the carcass may also be required to be surrendered to the
DNR for further research and studies on the species.
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes; Order: Carnivora; Family: Canidae
Description:
Red fox are small, shy, and adaptable with a capacity for learning from experience.
They weigh 10-14 pounds. Lengths range from 35-41 inches with a 14-17
inch bushy tail tipped in white. Commonly red on top, gray to white lower, with
black on the ears, lower legs and feet. Other color phases include black, silver,
and a cross between red and silver; these genetic variations may occur in the
same litter. Red fox primarily are nocturnal and have the ability to hear low
frequencies that let them detect small prey underground.
Biology:
Red fox reproduce in their first year. Breeding occurs in January to early
March, resulting in one litter of 1-10 kits. The gestation period is 53 days.
Red fox use maternity dens to raise their young. The dens often are old woodchuck
or badger diggings on slopes with good visibility.
The pups stay with the adults until early fall, when dispersal begins. This
“fall shuffle” is used to the advantage by trappers who catch many of these dispersers.
This dispersal period usually begins in October and it may continue
through most of the winter. Some fox never disperse, and others disperse later
in the winter or as adults.
The red fox, like most predators, is an opportunist which is quick to take
advantage of any food available. Small mammals such as mice, rabbits, and
ground squirrels comprise the bulk of the red fox’s diet. A fox will often cache
uneaten food under litter or bury it in a hole to be eaten later.
Red fox tend to be solitary animals, and always hunt alone. They do not normally
use a den except when raising their young. During winter, a red fox will
curl up on the snow using its tail to cover its nose and feet.
Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 38