The Endangered Swift fox disappeared entirely from Canada in the early 1900s. Reintroduction programs in the last 15 years have established a small population of 150-200 in the southern prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Species Preferred Food
Swift foxes hunt continually from dusk to dawn, covering great distances each night. They eat what they can catch, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, grasses and berries.
Risks to the Species
Foxes are curious and have little fear of people so they're easy to kill. In the early 1900s, hundreds were destroyed accidentally during predator control programs aimed at removing wolves, coyotes and ground squirrels from the prairies. Some people continue to mistake them for young coyotes and kill them. Habitat loss due to agricultural, industrial and urban development also reduced their numbers. Dens were ploughed over and native grasses replaced with tall cereal crops that are unsuitable for foxes or their food.
Probably occurs in March in Alberta. Two to five pups are born in the den in mid-May.
Species Lifespan
In the wild, three to six years. In captivity, up to 14 years.
Size of the Specie
Smallest of the North American wild dogs. An adult weighs 2 to 3 kilograms.
