Swift Fox

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Reproduction

The adult Swift Fox's breeding season varies with region. In the southern United States, it mates between December and February with pups born in March and early April, while in Canada, the breeding season begins in March, and pups are born in mid-May. The male Swift Fox matures and may mate at one, while the female usually waits until her second year before breeding. Adults live in pairs, and although some individuals mate for life, others choose different partners each year. Gestation takes around 51 days, and two to six kits are born.

The Swift Fox only has one litter annually, but may occupy up to thirteen dens in one year, moving because prey is scarce or because skin parasites build up inside the den. Sometimes it makes other burrows from other animals bigger, even though it is completely capable of digging one on its own. Pups are born in the den and typically remain there for approximately one month. A newborn pup's eyes and ears remain closed for ten to fifteen days, leaving it dependent on the mother for food and protection during this time. It is usually weaned around six or seven weeks old and remains with its parents until fall. Recent research has shown that social organization in the Swift Fox is unusual among canids, since it is based on the females.citeweb|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6W9W-4BM8XH6-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=50195cc1f982fb19dc727cc36b9d8f36|author=Kamler, Jan F.|coauthors=Ballard, Warren B.; Gese, Eric M.; Harrison, Robert L.; Karki, Seija; Mote, Kevin|title=Adult male emigration and a female-based social organization in swift foxes, "Vulpes velox"|accessmonthday=June 15|accessyear=2008] Females maintain territories at all times, but males emigrate if the resident female is killed or removed.

Diet

Like most canids, the Swift Fox is an omnivore. Rabbits, mice, ground squirrels, birds, insects and lizards are staples. Grasses and fruits round out its diet. However, like any efficient forager, the Swift Fox takes advantage of seasonal foods. During the summer, adults eat large amounts of insects, including beetles and grasshoppers, and feed their young with larger prey items. Deer and other carrion may also be important food sources.

References

General References

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