The Fox
The Modern English “fox” is derived from Old English with the same spelling, the Old English word itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word “*fukh”, compare German “Fuchs”, Gothic “fauho”, Old Norse “foa” and Dutch “vos”, which corresponds to the Proto-Indo-European word “*puk” meaning “tail” (compare Sanskrit “puccha” meaning “tail” as well). The bushy tail is also the source of words for “fox” in Welsh (”llwynog”, from “llwyn” meaning “bush”).
Most foxes live 2 to 3 years but can survive for up to 10 years, or even longer, in captivity. Foxes are generally smaller than other members of the family Canidae such as wolves, jackals, and domestic dogs. Fox-like features typically include an acute muzzle (a “fox face”) and bushy tail. Other physical characteristics vary according to their habitat. For example, the Desert Fox has large ears and short fur, whereas the Arctic Fox has small ears and thick, insulating fur. Another example is the Red Fox which has a typical auburn pelt ending normally with white marking. Read the rest of this entry »
