Baby Fox

A baby fox, also commonly referred to as a kit, pup, or cub, is the offspring of a fox. These young animals are typically born in litters during the spring months, following a gestation period of around 52 days, varying slightly depending on the species of fox. Kits are born blind and helpless, relying entirely on their mother (vixen) for care and sustenance during their early weeks.

Newborn kits have soft, fluffy fur, which is often a duller color compared to the adult fox's coat. Their eyes open at approximately two weeks of age, and they begin to venture outside the den shortly thereafter, often under the watchful eye of the vixen.

Fox kits are highly playful and engage in activities that help them develop essential survival skills, such as hunting and social interaction. The vixen nurses her kits for several weeks, gradually introducing them to solid food, which she brings back to the den. The father (dog fox) may also contribute to the rearing process by bringing food to the den and protecting the family.

Kits typically remain with their parents throughout the summer and early fall, learning crucial skills before dispersing to establish their own territories, often by the end of their first year. The survival rate of fox kits can be significantly impacted by factors such as food availability, predation (from larger animals like eagles, owls, and coyotes), disease, and human activity.