When talking about foxes, many people immediately think of the cunning and cruel animals in ancient stories. This is probably also the reason why very few people have sympathy for this animal.

In reality, a fox is just a normal animal that needs to hunt to survive. They rarely gather in herds but prefer to live alone, hunting live prey (especially small rodents). They also eat other foods, from grasshoppers to fruits and berries.

Foxes are generally very cautious around human presence and usually only live 2-3 years due to hunting, but in captivity they can live up to 10 years or longer.

Below are the 7 most beautiful fox species in the world compiled and introduced by BoredPanda:

Arctic fox

Arctic foxes are found throughout the Arctic Circle (one of the five major latitudes shown on maps of the Earth). In addition, it is also called by other names such as white fox, snow fox. They have relatively short legs and snouts and thick fur to keep them warm in the cold of -70 degrees Celsius. At the same time, this species possesses a special heat exchange system, helping it not feel shivering from the cold.

Arctic foxes are omnivores, eating virtually anything they can find – from rodents, birds or fish, to seaweed and the leftover carcasses of larger predators. In case of food scarcity, it also eats its own feces.

Fennec Fox

Fennec foxes originate from North Africa and the Sahara desert. They are the smallest fox species in the world, weighing only from 0.68 to 1.59kg with a body length of 24 to 41cm, about 20.3cm tall, and a long tail. 18-30cm while the ears are about 10-15cm long. However, they are extremely agile, capable of jumping incredibly high. Their enemies are only eagles, owls and humans. Fennec foxes are distinguished by their characteristic large ears , which help dissipate body heat. Their ears are very sensitive, they can hear the sound of prey moving under the sand. Their cream-colored fur helps them cool down during the day and stay warm at night.

Red fox

The red fox is the largest, most widely distributed and most diverse of all fox species. They can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere and also in Australia. Red foxes usually have typical golden brown fur and white fur streaks on their tails. Normally, foxes live alone and hunt live prey (especially small rodents). They are very agile hunters and can jump over 2m high fences.

Marble fox

The marbled fox is also a member of the red fox species, however its fur color is not natural: they are raised by humans for their fur. They have a special scent and to mark their territory, they often urinate or defecate in obvious places.

Gray fox

Gray foxes are distributed throughout North America, distinguished by their “salt and pepper” upper coat and black streaks on their tails. It is the only animal in the canine family that can climb trees.

Silver fox

The silver fox is actually the same species as the red fox, only the fur color differs. Because of this fur, there was a time when they became the most valuable fox species. Currently, people still raise and breed them for fur.

Cross fox

The cross fox is another “color version” of the red fox, the most abundant in North America. This species is distinguished by a black stripe running down the back and crossing another stripe to form a cross on the shoulder. They are rarer than red foxes but more common than silver foxes.