With their bushy tails and sly reputation, foxes have fascinated people for centuries. While everyone knows about the term “fox” in general, you may be wondering – what exactly are female foxes called?
As it turns out, there are a few different names used to refer to the females of various fox species.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Female foxes are most commonly referred to as vixens. However, they may also be called she-foxes or fox bitches, depending on the context.
In this approximately 3000 word article, we’ll take an in-depth look at fox terminology. We’ll cover the different names used for female foxes, explaining when each term is appropriate to use. We’ll also provide some background on the origin of these words.
Along the way, we’ll sprinkle in some interesting facts and trivia about foxes. Let’s dive in!
The Most Common Term: Vixen
Basic Definition and Usage
The most commonly used term for a female fox is “vixen.” This word refers specifically to an adult female red fox, which is the most widespread and common fox species. Simply put, a vixen is a female fox that has reached sexual maturity and is capable of reproduction.
The word “vixen” can be used as a noun or adjective. For example: “That vixen has made a den to raise her kits” or “The vixen fox crept through the woods.” When used to describe a woman, it implies she is quarrelsome, shrewish, or ill-tempered – similar to the stereotype of a fox being sly and cunning.
Word Origin and History
The word “vixen” has its roots in Old English and Germanic languages. It originated before the year 1000 CE from the Old English word “fyxen,” meaning female fox. This derived from the Proto-Germanic word “fuhkusjona,” itself derived from the root word “fox.”
The male equivalent was “fox” in Old English. The word evolved over centuries into the modern English spelling “vixen.”
So while nowadays we think of “fox” as the generic term for both male and female foxes, originally “vixen” specifically denoted the female. “Vixen” has been in use for over a thousand years in the English language and maintains its original meaning relating to foxes.
Notable Examples and Usage in Pop Culture
One of the most famous uses of “vixen” is in Rudyard Kipling’s stories about foxes in The Jungle Book. Kipling repeatedly refers to the female fox character as “the vixen” and her mate as “the dog fox.”
A more recent example is Disney’s animated Robin Hood from 1973. Maid Marian is depicted as a vixen, while Robin Hood himself is portrayed as an anthropomorphic male fox. The choice of a vixen as Maid Marian reflects the traditional association of foxes with cleverness and cunning.
The word “vixen” is also sometimes used more metaphorically, as in examples like the song “Vixen” by the rock band Aerosmith. Through lyrics about a woman’s charms, they use the imagery of a vixen to imply she is wild, sexy, and perhaps slightly dangerous.
So in both literal and figurative contexts, “vixen” has endured as the definitive term for a female fox for centuries. From folk tales to modern pop culture, it remains the most common English word used to describe this animal.
Alternative Terms: She-Fox and Fox Bitch
She-Fox as a More Clinical Description
The term “she-fox” is sometimes used as a more clinical or scientific way to refer to a female fox. It is a straightforward description specifying the fox’s gender, similar to using “he-fox” for a male.
Some wildlife biologists and researchers may prefer “she-fox” as it comes across as more formal and less colloquial than other alternatives like “fox bitch. “
For instance, a wildlife paper may state observations on the denning behaviors exhibited by “she-foxes” during breeding seasons. Using the term “she-fox” puts the focus on discussing the vixens purely in regard to their biological sex in a research context.
Fox Bitch: When is it Appropriate?
“Fox bitch” is a term that has long been used among fox hunters, farmers, gamekeepers and others involved in fox control. For them, it is simply a handy way to specify an adult female fox, similar to using “dog fox” for the males.
However, the term “bitch” is seen as vulgar language in most social contexts today, so calling a vixen a “fox bitch” may be considered crude or offensive by the general public. It is best avoided outside of the practical use by rural fox managers and hunters.
Regional Differences in Terminology
The acceptability of the term “bitch” and words like it varies significantly between different regions and cultures. Using “bitch” to describe female animals is generally seen as more taboo in the United States compared to the United Kingdom, for example.
An American may be more prone to take offense to the term “fox bitch” compared to a British or Australian countryside resident.
These kinds of regional and cultural differences are important to keep in mind when choosing terminology. While “she-fox” is neutral and safest for general audiences, more informal variants like “vixen” or even “fox bitch” may be tolerable in specific settings or particular countrysides where such language is commonly used.
The Complex Fox Family Tree
Fox Species and Subspecies
There are 37 known species and subspecies of foxes, according to the World Atlas. Foxes belong to several genera within the Canidae family including Vulpes, Urocyon, Lycalopex, and Otocyon. The two main species of foxes are:
- Red foxes which have over 45 subspecies identified so far
- Gray foxes with 16 known subspecies
While there is diversity among fox species regarding fur color, size, habitat, and distribution – they all share some common fox characteristics like a light body-build meant for agility and speed, large ears, long bushy tails, pointed muzzles, etc.
Differences Between Dog and Fox Family Trees
Dogs and foxes both belong to the Canidae family but they diverged evolutionarily about 12 million years ago. As a result, there are some distinct genetic and physical differences between them:
| Dogs | Foxes |
| Domesticated | Wild animals |
| Omnivores | Carnivores |
| 2 copies of starch digestion gene | Only 1 copy of this gene |
| Around 80% genetic similarity with wolves | Closer genetic ties to raccoon dogs |
There are also obvious visible differences in their ears, muzzles, tails, coat colors and patterns. Interestingly, foxes and dogs cannot interbreed – their chromosomes are too different to produce offspring.
Fox Baby Terminology: Cubs, Pups, and Kits
Fox babies are called by different names depending on the species:
- Red fox babies are known as cubs
- Arctic fox babies are called pups
- Gray fox babies are referred to as kits
Like dogs and wolves, foxes only mate once per year. The fox gestation period is around 52 days. Most foxes give birth to between 4 to 6 baby foxes per litter on average. Parents and older sibling foxes all help care for the newborn cubs/pups/kits until they mature by about 9 months age.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Foxes
Foxes are Widespread and Adaptable
Foxes are extremely adaptable animals that can thrive in a variety of habitats. They have successfully colonized environments from the Arctic tundra to deserts to tropical rainforests to urban areas. Foxes are found on every continent except Antarctica and inhabit more geographic areas than any other carnivore.
The common red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has the largest natural distribution of any land mammal, as it is found throughout the entire Northern Hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to Central America, Europe, and Central Asia.
This incredible adaptability is thanks to foxes’ generalist diet and ability to modify their behavior and biology based on environmental conditions.
Foxes Play an Important Ecological Role
Foxes play a crucial ecological role in the habitats where they live. As opportunistic feeders, foxes primarily eat rodents such as mice, rats, squirrels, and rabbits, helping to regulate and control population growth of these often destructive prey species.
The presence of foxes can also limit mesocarnivore populations, like cats, raccoons, and skunks, through competition and aggression over resources.
In addition, foxes provide food and sustenance to top predators in an ecosystem. As prey to animals like coyotes, wolves, big cats, bears, and eagles, foxes are an integral part of the food chain.
Scavenger species like crows, magpies, and laughing gulls also depend on foxes for part of their diet, particularly through kleptoparasitism, which is stealing uneaten prey remains from a predator’s cache.
Foxes in Mythology and Culture
Foxes have played an important role in the mythology and folklore of many ancient and modern cultures around the world.
In Ancient Greek mythology, Teumessian fox was a gigantic fox destined to be always the eluding prey. He could never be caught by any hunter or hound.
In Native American mythology of the Southwest, foxes were clever tricksters, like the coyote. However, they relied more on magic than physical cleverness and cunning.
In the modern era, foxes remain embedded in our culture. Fantastic Mr. Fox is a popular children’s book by Roald Dahl. Foxes also appeared as characters like the Robin Hood in Disney’s animated classic and the Japanese manga Naruto which features shapeshifting ninjas.
A cultural explorer said fox is one of the most iconic creations of Wes Anderson’s works.
Conclusion
In summary, while vixen is the most widely used term for a female fox, alternatives like she-fox and fox bitch have their place too. The appropriateness of each name depends on factors like context, region, and speaker intent.
Beyond terminology, foxes are fascinating creatures that come in many species and play vital ecological roles. With their presence in diverse myths and cultures, foxes have captivated our imaginations for ages.
Understanding the proper terms for male and female foxes enhances our appreciation of these clever canids.
So next time you see a female fox slinking through the bushes, you can proudly refer to her by the most suitable name. Just try not to startle the vixen – watch quietly and admire one of nature’s most beautiful and resourceful animals.
