The Red Fox
Informational Text Features and Coaches
While reading this book, look for words that are underlined or that have a dotted line. When you see these words, click on Clarify Claire. She will help you figure out new words. If you also click on the dotted line, it will take you to the glossary. Go ahead and click on glossary to see the definition!
Sometimes underlined words are a hyperlink, sometimes just called a link because it will open a new page and connect you to more information. Hyperlinks are underlined words that also have a color (usually blue or purple). Try it out! If you click on the word link above you will be connected to a dictionary that gives you many definitions of the word link.
It helps to make predictions while you read. Click on Predictor Paul to practice making predictions.
Asking questions also helps you understand the information while you read. Click on Question Quinn to practice asking and answering questions.
Pictures are important and can help you learn more about the topic. Captions are under the picture and give you more information about the pictures on each page.
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Introduction
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Appearance
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Communication
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Habitat
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Diet
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Predators and Prey
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References
11
Introduction
The fox is a well-known animal, but did you know there are many different species of foxes? The most well-known fox is the red fox. The red fox can be found in almost all the continents of the world! Let's learn more about the red fox.
Appearance
The red fox is usually red in color but sometimes they have some brown, black, and white on them too. They are about the same size as a medium dog. They have pads on their paws similar to a dog that helps them on any type of terrain. Their pointed ears help them hear so well that they can hear animals underground. The red fox is nocturnal, so their eyes help them see at night. Their sharp claws help them catch prey, fight off predators, and dig dens. Their sharp teeth also help them find food and protect themselves from danger. Their long legs and body help them move quickly. The red fox also has a big, furry tail. They use their tails to keep warm, communicate with other foxes, and balance while they run and jump.
Communication
What does the fox say? The red fox uses many sounds to communicate like chuckling, whining, whimpering, and screaming. They make these sounds to talk to their family members if they get lost or to warn each other of danger.
Habitat
You can find the red fox almost everywhere! This is because the red fox can live in many different types of habitats. They can live in forests, grasslands, mountains, and deserts. The mountains are cold and snowy while the desert is hot and dry. Red foxes are able to adapt to almost any environment. Red foxes can also adapt to human environments like farming areas and even neighborhoods or cities.
Red foxes are omnivorous. This means they will eat almost anything. Red foxes use their senses to help them hunt. They like to hunt and eat mice, rabbits, birds, and other small animals. They will also eat fruits and vegetables. If the red fox lives close to humans, they might eat trash or pet food.
Predators and Prey
Red foxes are predators when they are on the hunt for prey. Their senses help them find food, but their senses also help keep them safe. Red foxes have their own predators. They have to watch out for big cats like panthers and bobcats. They also have to watch out for wolves. The red fox's biggest predator is actually humans! Humans hunt foxes because of their pretty, red fur. Sometimes humans hunt foxes because they eat their chickens or other small farm animals.
References
Discovery. (2013, July 05). Fox Dives Headfirst Into Snow | North America. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2SoGHFM18I
Productions, A. (2014, May 23). Fox Sounds - Fox Call - Foxes Calling. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFrsoyqiOIc
Red Fox. (2018, September 21). Retrieved February 18, 2019, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/r/red-fox/
Red Fox. (2014). Retrieved February 22, 2019, from https://www.foxesworlds.com/red-fox/
Red Fox. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2019, from https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Red-Fox