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Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Etching by Thomas Landseer from his drawing
From: John Richardson, Fauna Boreali-Americana; or the zoology of the northern parts of British America…. Vol. 1 of 4 (London, 1829–37)
NYPL, General Research Division

Although most Red Foxes have rusty-red pelts, light underparts, a white tail, and black ears and lower legs, some individuals are silvery, black, or a mix of colors. These adaptable small canids range over most of North America, and also other continents, and thrive in a variety of habitats, including natural areas in city parks. The diet of these omnivores includes berries and other fruits, eggs, small live prey, and even domestic cats snatched from rural and suburban yards.

Fauna Boreali records animal specimens collected during the 1819–27 Canadian expedition in search of the Northwest Passage, sponsored by the British government.

Check out the sighting log to record your interaction with some of the native New York City wildlife, such as the Red Fox, featured in Urban Neighbors. You may also browse the sighting log by animal, borough, park or natural area, and/or habitat to view a sighting you have submitted or to read others’ observations.