Red Fox Spotted in Atlantic Beach

I’ve seen Red Foxes running around our Atlantic Beach neighborhood for a while, but my neighbor in the Selva Marina area managed to snag a good photo when he saw two of them playing in his backyard.

Florida’s Red Foxes

Our Atlantic Beach neighborhood is a unique environment that combines a beautiful canopy of Live Oak trees and the beach. Our woodsy area is home to a diverse wildlife and it’s common to see a variety of creatures coexisting with the human population. We’ve even seen coyotes trotting down the street, going right past our house.

While red foxes are commonly associated with colder climates, the Florida variant has adapted to the subtropical environment and found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even the suburbs.

Red foxes are known for their reddish-brown fur that helps them blend into their natural surroundings. They usually have white fur on their chin, throat, and underbelly, along with a bushy, white-tipped tail, and black fur on their feet and tips of their ears. Additionally, their large, pointed ears and slender muzzle distinguish them from other similar-sized mammals.

Red foxes typically have a slender and agile build, with an average length of 18 to 33 inches (excluding the tail) and a weight ranging from 7 to 15 pounds. Their bushy tail, which can measure up to half the length of their body, is a prominent feature.

Red foxes are known for their intelligence and resourcefulness, and those in Florida are no exception. These elusive creatures exhibit solitary behavior, with adult foxes maintaining territories to avoid conflicts.

Their diet is diverse, ranging from small mammals and birds to fruits and insects. Observing their cunning hunting techniques and playful interactions provides a glimpse into the intricate social structure of these foxes.

Respect the Foxes

If you are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of one of these beautiful foxes, be sure to remain a respectful distance and avoid feeding them as human interaction can disrupt their natural behavior and reliance on natural food sources.

As we coexist with these fascinating creatures, let us appreciate the role they play in maintaining the delicate balance of Florida’s diverse ecosystems.