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 Photo by: Branson Reynolds |
Kit Fox
Vulpes macrotis
Habitat: The kit fox occupies semidesert shrubland and margins of piņon-juniper woodlands over much of the Southwest. Saltbush, shadscale, sagebrush, and greasewood are common woody plants of typical kit fox habitat.
Diet: The kit fox appears to rely heavily on rabbits as the staple diet. Kangaroo rats are also important prey but the kit fox will feed on ground-nesting birds, especially horned larks (O'Neal et al. 1986), reptiles, and insects if preferred prey is unavailable.
Description: This species is a dainty fox of the desert Southwest. It closely resembles the swift fox in appearance but has larger ears and a generally more angular appearance. The dorsal color of the kit fox varies from yellowish gray to grizzled. The underfur is thick and harsh in texture and The underparts are usually paler yellow to white. The sides of the muzzle are dark, and the tail is black tipped. Measurements are: total length 730-840 mm; length of tail 260-323 mm; length of hindfoot 113-137 mm; length of ear 78-94 mm; weight 1.5-2.5 kg.
Range in Colorado: To date only one small population has been located, near Delta.
Status: CDOW WRIS Species, State Endangered
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Species Occurrence Tool
(*) NDIS has no county occurrence data for fish at this time.
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