Species MammalsKit Fox

Kit Fox

Vulpes macrotis

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis)
Safety note: May carry rabies — do not approach or handle.

The Kit Fox is one of North America's smallest foxes, with enormous ears that help dissipate heat and detect prey in the desert darkness. It is highly adapted to arid environments and can meet most of its water needs from food alone, rarely needing to drink. Kit foxes dig extensive burrow systems that provide shelter from desert heat and predators.

Habitat
Desert scrub, arid grasslands, and alkali flats
Diet
Kangaroo rats, insects, lizards, and small birds
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Kit Fox

The best time to see a Kit Fox is January–July, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,135 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a Kit Fox? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Kit Fox sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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