Red Fox (vulpes vulpes)

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the world’s most widely distributed wild canid. Found across most of Europe, Asia, North America and parts of North Africa, it has successfully colonised an extraordinary variety of habitats. From temperate forests and Arctic tundra to mountains, farmland, deserts and even the outskirts of major cities, few mammals have adapted so successfully to such contrasting environments.

This remarkable success is largely due to its exceptional adaptability. The red fox is an opportunistic omnivore whose diet changes with the seasons and local food availability. Small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, berries, earthworms and carrion may all become part of its diet. This flexible feeding strategy, combined with high intelligence and impressive learning abilities, has enabled the species to thrive almost everywhere.

Easily recognised by its reddish coat, bushy tail and alert expression, the red fox is mainly active at dusk and during the night. Although widespread, it often remains surprisingly difficult to observe. Exceptionally cautious, it relies on acute hearing, an excellent sense of smell and an intimate knowledge of its territory to avoid danger while locating prey. Its characteristic hunting leap—diving headfirst onto rodents hidden beneath grass or snow—is one of the species’ most iconic behaviours.

Once thought to be strictly solitary, the red fox is now known to display a much more flexible social organisation. Depending on habitat quality and food availability, individuals may live alone, as breeding pairs or within small family groups. Young foxes sometimes remain with their parents for several months before dispersing to establish territories of their own.

Discreet, intelligent and extraordinarily adaptable, the red fox has become one of the most successful wild mammals on Earth. The photographs gathered in this category illustrate the diversity of its behaviour and its remarkable ability to thrive in habitats ranging from remote wilderness to landscapes shaped by human activity.

2025, Mainland France Selection, Mammals, Red Fox (vulpes vulpes)

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in a mountain meadow

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in a mountain meadow

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in a mountain meadow

The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is one of the most familiar mammals in our landscapes. Despite being widespread across much of Europe, every encounter remains a special moment for a wildlife photographer.

The Red Fox is a remarkably adaptable animal. It thrives in a wide variety of habitats, from farmland and forests to mountain environments and even the outskirts of towns and cities. An opportunistic species, it makes the most of the resources available in its surroundings, which largely explains its extensive distribution.

2025, Mainland France Selection, Mammals, Red Fox (vulpes vulpes)

Young foxes playing in the tall grass – France

Young foxes playing in tall grass - Late summer

Young foxes, learning through play.

In the golden light of a late summer meadow, two young foxes engage in their favorite games, caught between tenderness and mock combat.

These moments of brotherhood are crucial in the development of fox cubs. Through play, they learn the social codes of their species and sharpen the reflexes that will later make them agile predators. Nestled against each other amidst the tall grasses and sun-scorched wildflowers, they remind us of the vulnerability and wild beauty of these first months of life in the heart of nature.

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