kit fox

mammal

Also known as: Vulpes macrotis

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The kit fox, also known as the swift fox (Vulpes macrotis), is a type of fox found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. These mammals are characterized by their exceptionally large ears and a black tip on their tail. The term "kit fox" can also refer to the fur or pelt of this animal.1

Foxes, in general, are members of the dog family (Canidae) and resemble small to medium-sized dogs with bushy tails, pointed ears, and narrow snouts. The genus Vulpes includes several species considered "true" foxes, such as the red fox (V. vulpes), which has the widest natural distribution of any land mammal besides humans. Other fox species exist in different genera, including the Arctic fox, bat-eared fox, and various South American foxes.2

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fox
Classification
macrotis (kit fox); large-eared pale foxes of the western North American plains (swift fox) and deserts (kit fox); shy and uncommon; adult length about 40–50 cm without the 20–30-cm tail, weight about 1.5–3 kg; burrow dweller that feeds on small animals (rodents, rabbits, insects); coat gray…
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macrotis (kit fox); large-eared pale foxes of the western North American plains (swift fox) and deserts (kit fox); shy and uncommon; adult length about 40–50 cm without the 20–30-cm tail, weight about 1.5–3 kg; burrow dweller that feeds on small animals (rodents, rabbits, insects); coat gray…
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