Species › Mammals › Swift Fox

Swift Fox

Vulpes velox

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

The Swift Fox is a small, speedy fox of the Great Plains named for its ability to reach speeds of 37 mph. It is strongly associated with open shortgrass prairie and was nearly extirpated from much of its range by the mid-20th century due to predator control programs. Conservation reintroductions in Canada and the United States have helped stabilize recovering populations.

Habitat
Shortgrass prairies and semi-arid open plains
Diet
Rabbits, rodents, insects, berries, and carrion
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Swift Fox

The best time to see a Swift Fox is April–August, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 501 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Swift Fox sightings near you

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